ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today named chief legislative officer Keiffer J. Mitchell, Jr. to serve as acting chief of staff following the resignation of Roy McGrath. Mitchell will lead the governor’s search for a permanent chief of staff.
Statement from Governor Hogan:
“It is with regret that I have accepted Roy McGrath’s resignation as chief of staff. Roy has been a deeply valued member of our administration, and our state is better for his dedicated service. I recognize that this was a difficult decision for Roy, but I understand and respect his reasons for making this decision. I have always known Roy to be someone of the highest character, and I wish him well in his future endeavors.
“Effective immediately, I am naming chief legislative officer Keiffer Mitchell to serve as acting chief of staff. Keiffer is a widely respected leader who has served our administration with distinction since day one. He has a proven track record for bringing people together and working across the aisle, and I thank him for stepping up to serve at this important time.”
Statement from Keiffer J. Mitchell, Jr.:
“I am humbled that Governor Hogan has put his trust in me. We have a first-rate team that is working around the clock at such a critical moment in our history. Together, we will continue to change Maryland for the better.”
Statement from Roy McGrath:
“?There is no higher calling than public service. My experience began at age 18, and I have always approached it not as a matter of party loyalty, but as a Marylander first. In May, I was humbled to have been asked to serve as chief of staff for the administration. Having been in a similar role before, I recognized I would be taking on a big job at one of the most difficult times in our history. We have had months of grueling, but successful, efforts managing the coronavirus pandemic.
“For me, this entire topic is simply the sad politics of personal destruction, and right now, we cannot afford unnecessary distractions from the critical work the governor and his team are doing. For this reason, I have advised the governor that I am exiting state service. Most of my career was spent in the private sector, and that’s where I will return. I want to thank Governor Hogan for his enthusiastic confidence in me and for this incredible opportunity to have served the people of Maryland. I look forward to helping Keiffer during this transition.”
About Keiffer J. Mitchell, Jr.:
Keiffer J. Mitchell, Jr. served in the House of Delegates from 2011-2015, representing District 44 in Baltimore City, and he served on the Baltimore City Council from 1995-2007. He was a member of the Baltimore City Democratic Central Committee as well as the Maryland Democratic State Central Committee. Mitchell is part of a storied Baltimore family. His father, Dr. Keiffer J. Mitchell, Sr., was the first African American doctor to practice at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. His grandmother, Juanita Jackson Mitchell, was the first African American woman to practice law in the State of Maryland. His grandfather, Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr., was an NAACP lobbyist and civil rights adviser to President Lyndon Johnson.
Senate President Bill Ferguson:
Annapolis, MD – This was the right decision for the state of Maryland. There remain outstanding questions about the payments to Mr. McGrath and how we got here, and we must continue to investigate. Keiffer Mitchell is a known bipartisan problem-solver and we look forward to working with him for the people of Maryland.