Manny Welsh named Maryland governor's new chief of staff

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has appointed Manny Welsh as his new chief of staff, the governor's office announced Thursday, according to FOX45 Baltimore. Welsh replaces Lester Davis, who will now serve as interim CEO of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), a state-backed entity supporting startups and entrepreneurs across Maryland.

Welsh has been a key figure in Moore's administration, serving as the state's first chief administrative officer and principal deputy chief of staff since October 2025. In those roles, he managed the executive branch's daily operations and oversaw policy areas including economic development and social equity, reported The Baltimore Banner.

Moore praised Welsh's extensive knowledge of state government and his advisory role, saying Welsh's experience will help the administration deliver results during its second term. Welsh previously served as deputy chief of staff and as chief of staff to former Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, noted The Baltimore Banner.

Lester Davis served as Moore's chief of staff since October 2025 and earned $281,000 last year, according to FOX45 Baltimore. He described leading TEDCO as "the opportunity of a lifetime," and TEDCO's board chair highlighted Davis's government and private-sector experience as valuable for the organization's future.

The leadership changes come shortly after Moore's reelection and reflect a strategic move to strengthen the governor's team and support Maryland's economic development through TEDCO, The Baltimore Banner reported.