Roy McGrath

Roy McGrath
Basic facts
Role:	Chief of staff
Affiliation:	Republican
Prior Experience
Chief of staff, Larry Hogan gubernatorial administration, 2020-2020

Roy McGrath was a chief of staff of to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan (R) from June 1, 2020, to August 17, 2020. He resigned following criticism over a severance package he received from the Maryland Environmental Service.

McGrath died on April 3, 2023, as a result of a confrontation with the FBI near Knoxville, Tenn.

Career

Early education and career

Before his role as chief of staff, McGrath was CEO of Maryland Environmental Service. Additional experience included "senior advisor to the governor, deputy chief of staff, and liaison to the Maryland Board of Public Works," according to CBS Baltimore. He also served on Gov. Hogan's Coronavirus Response Team.

Larry Hogan chief of staff

Gov. Hogan appointed McGrath to be his next chief of staff after Matthew Clark stepped down to take a job with University of Maryland Medical System. Hogan said, "Roy McGrath is an experienced public and private sector leader with a proven track record of managing at every level of government and a passionate commitment to public service. Roy has played a key role in our coronavirus response over the last three months, so his transition to chief of staff will be seamless." McGrath's first day was June 1, 2020. He resigned on August 17, 2020, following criticism over a severance package he received from the Maryland Environmental Service. The severance package included "one year’s salary of about $233,000 and a $5,250 tuition reimbursement." Keiffer Mitchell will serve as acting chief of staff.

Chief of staff

See also: Gubernatorial chiefs of staff

In 2020, Ballotpedia identified Roy McGrath 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):

• 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."

Noteworthy events

Death following federal search after failing to appear in court (2023)

McGrath died on April 3, 2023, following a confrontation with the FBI near Knoxville, Tenn. The FBI launched a search for McGrath after he failed to appear in court on March 13, 2023. McGrath was charged with wire fraud and embezzlement, having allegedly stolen $276,000 from the State of Maryland. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

See also

• Larry Hogan
• Gubernatorial chiefs of staff

External links

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