Mayor Donna Deegan appoints new chief of staff following brief tenure of Pat McCollough
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Mayor Donna Deegan announced a new chief of staff for her administration Tuesday after former Chief of Staff Pat McCollough served for only five months.
Deegan announced that Florida Blue North Region Market President Darnell Smith will serve as her new chief of staff.
“I’m excited and grateful that Darnell is joining the Mayor’s Office to lead our talented team,” Deegan said.
Florida’s Voice reached out to Deegan’s office about why McCollough has been replaced, but did not receive a response.
“He will build upon our administration’s early successes, and with decades of experience and a deep love of Jacksonville, I believe he will maximize this transformational moment in time for our city,” the mayor said.
Smith has a history of community leadership and involvement, according to the mayor’s office. Most recently, he served as co-chair of Deegan’s transition team.
“It’s an honor to answer the call to serve Mayor Deegan and people across Jacksonville,” Smith said. “I believe in her vision of an inclusive and thriving city that works for all of us – and the shared value that our community is stronger when it’s united. I’m looking forward to working with Mayor Deegan and the team to take big steps forward for our city.”
The new chief of staff has also served on various boards, including the Sulzbacher Center, Cathedral Arts Project, First Coast YMCA, LIFT JAX, JAX Chamber, JAXUSA Policy Council, United Way of Northeast Florida, A.L. Lewis Black Opportunity and Impact Fund, and Blue Zones Jacksonville.
In his current position, Smith oversees market growth and community engagement for Florida Blue across 36 North Florida counties. He has over 30 years of experience at Florida Blue and has led large teams with thousands of people.
According to the mayor’s office, Smith will serve as an “executive on loan” through a contract between the City of Jacksonville and Florida Blue.
The former chief of staff, McCollough, was appointed as Deegan’s chief of staff in June after managing the mayor’s campaign.
McCollough is a retired U.S. Marine Sergeant Major. She has also led regional, state and national public health, political organizing, and advocacy campaigns.
