WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island’s governor has hired a Providence city administrator to be her top aide.
Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo announced Monday that Brett Smiley will be her new chief of staff beginning after Labor Day.
Smiley has been Providence’s chief operating officer since Mayor Jorge Elorza took office last year. He also ran for mayor in 2014 before dropping out of the Democratic primary to support Elorza.
Raimondo says she chose him for his financial and managerial experience, including his work handling Providence’s budgets and structural deficit and overseeing a construction boom.
Raimondo’s acting chief of staff, David Cruise, a former state lawmaker, will become a senior adviser.
“I am thrilled to have Brett join our team as my Chief of Staff,” said Raimondo. “He comes to us with a breadth of financial and managerial experience, and he truly shares my focus of making Rhode Island a place of opportunity for everyone. I know he will hit the ground running and lead our team with integrity and energy.”
“And I want to offer a very special thank you to David, who stepped up to the plate without hesitation when I asked for his help,” continued Raimondo. “David was the right person to ensure a smooth transition. I’m incredibly grateful he’ll continue to take an increased role by my side as Senior Advisor. He is a great public servant for the people of Rhode Island, and we’re lucky to have him.”
He replaces former Chief of Staff Stephen Neuman, who left last month to work on Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in Michigan.
“I’m excited to get started with Governor Raimondo and her team in September. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the state I love and support her work to expand opportunities for all Rhode Islanders,” said Smiley. “The Governor and her team have done incredible work over the past two years to position our state for growth and get Rhode Island back in the game, but I know we have a lot of work ahead to build on this progress. I’m forever grateful to Mayor Elorza and the great, dedicated team at the City of Providence for their support. I’m lucky to have been part of that team and proud of all we have done together – and know that my experience in City Hall has prepared me for this next chapter.”
“While Brett will be missed at city hall, we are excited for him in his new role, and we know he will continue to be an asset to Providence,” said Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza. “We wish him well and will be working closely with him to ensure a seamless transition of his duties and responsibilities in the city.”
