Moore Names Manny Welsh Chief of Staff
Gov. Wes Moore has appointed Manny Welsh as his third chief of staff, replacing Lester Davis, who stepped down to lead the Maryland Technology Development Corporation.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in People
Gov. Wes Moore appointed Manny Welsh as chief of staff, replacing Lester Davis, who stepped down after just over a year in the role. Welsh is Moore's third chief of staff and most recently served as one of his top advisers.
Why it matters
The appointment reshapes the leadership of Maryland's executive office as the governor begins his second term. Davis's move to interim CEO of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation also places a former top aide in a state economic development role.
Lester Davis served just over one year as chief of staff before departing. Manny Welsh becomes the third person to hold the role under Moore.
The players
Wes Moore
Wes Moore is the Governor of Maryland, who announced the appointment of Manny Welsh as chief of staff.
Manny Welsh
Manny Welsh is a longtime Maryland public official who previously served as chief of staff to former Comptroller Peter Franchot and as a top adviser to Moore.
Lester Davis
Lester Davis is a former Maryland chief of staff who became interim CEO of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation.
Maryland Technology Development Corporation
The Maryland Technology Development Corporation, known as TEDCO, is a state economic development agency that supports technology companies and entrepreneurs.
The details
Moore announced the appointment in a statement days after winning reelection. Davis was named interim CEO of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation by TEDCO's board of directors.
Timeline
Welsh served as liaison to the state spending board at the start of Moore's first term.
Davis began his service as chief of staff just over a year before the appointment.
Moore announced Welsh's appointment days after winning reelection on November 5, 2026.
People Moves
Welsh's return to a senior post follows his earlier work as liaison to the state spending board at the start of Moore's first term. The change marks the third chief of staff under Moore's administration.
Maryland residents may see shifts in how the governor's office sets priorities as Welsh takes over day-to-day management. The change is most immediately relevant to state government staff and those who work with the executive office.
The takeaway
Leadership changes in a governor's inner circle can signal shifts in administration priorities, so tracking staffing moves offers insight into how state government operates. Watching who holds key advisory roles helps readers understand where policy influence sits.
Further reading
Explore more People coverage tied to state government leadership moves.
