Elena Cross
Elena Cross is a Democratic political advisor in the state of Pennsylvania. Cross served as the chief of staff for the gubernatorial administration of Tom Wolf (D) from July 2021 to January 2023. Cross succeeded former chief of staff Mike Brunelle, who resigned to take a position in the private sector.[1]
Education
Cross earned a B.A. in political science and government from Penn State University.[2]
Career
According to Penn Live, before becoming chief of staff, Cross served as the deputy chief of staff to the governor. She also worked on Wolf's campaign and transition team in 2014. Previously, she served as executive director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.[1]
Tom Wolf chief of staff
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Cross became Gov. Wolf's chief of staff when Mike Brunelle resigned on June 25, 2021, to take a position in the private sector.[1]
Chief of staff
- See also: Gubernatorial chiefs of staff
In 2021, Ballotpedia identified Elena Cross as a gubernatorial chief of staff. A chief of staff is the lead staff member of an administration and is responsible for implementing the governor's agenda.
The role is both a managerial and advisory position, although specific duties vary by each administration. The chief of staff typically has the following responsibilities, according to the National Governors Association (NGA):[3]
- Control access to the governor and manage the governor's calendar;
- Monitor the flow of information to the governor on policy issues;
- Oversee gubernatorial Cabinet and staff; and
- Manage and communicate the governor's policy agenda to the state legislature and the public.
In terms of policymaking, the NGA notes that a chief of staff is responsible for bringing policy and communications together: "The chief is responsible for overseeing the development of the governor’s policy agenda. The policy director or advisor is typically responsible for shaping the general concepts and specific details of the agenda with input from the communications director, policy staff, and cabinet members. The chief often must take charge and bring the pieces together coherently."[3]
See also
External links
Footnotes
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