Top 10 Chief of Staff - 2026

Giovanna Maldonado has spent more than two decades across K-12 education and nonprofit organizations, progressing from classroom teaching to cross-functional leadership. As Chief of Staff at Voices For Children Foundation, she helps connect organizational priorities with people, operations and execution, enabling the organization to grow without weakening its culture, accountability and operational discipline.

Benjamin Wiles is a public-sector leader serving as Chief of Staff at Fairfax County, Virginia. He works at the intersection of county administration, organizational coordination and strategic priorities, supporting collaboration across leadership and departments to advance government operations and community services.

Molly Streb is a public-sector professional serving as Chief of Staff at the New York State Department of Labor. She supports departmental leadership in coordinating priorities, aligning teams and advancing workforce-related initiatives, contributing to the agency’s mission of serving workers, employers and communities across New York.

Robert Chun is a policy advisor and attorney serving as Chief of Staff of the California Energy Commission. His background spans climate and energy policy, technology strategy and public service, with experience at Google X and the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom.

Thomas Valeo is a public service professional with nearly a decade of experience in legislative advocacy, community engagement and grassroots organizing. As Chief of Staff for the city of West Palm Beach, he advances municipal initiatives focused on affordable housing, public education and inclusive community development.

Marina Zolezzi is a public-sector professional serving as Chief of Staff for the City of Brownsville, Texas. She supports municipal leadership in coordinating priorities, facilitating interdepartmental collaboration and advancing strategic initiatives that address local needs and strengthen city operations.

Chris Norman is an affordable housing strategist and racial equity practitioner with over a decade of public-sector experience. As Chief of Staff for the City of Oakland’s Housing and Community Development Department, he applies racial equity and results-based accountability frameworks to strengthen departmental performance and promote equitable outcomes for vulnerable communities.

Christi Maple is a communications and public affairs professional with over 20 years of experience in strategic messaging, media relations and public engagement. She specializes in translating complex policy into accessible communications, strengthening stakeholder relationships and promoting transparency in local government.

Nancy Lale is a public-sector leader and policy advocate serving as Chief of Staff at the County of Santa Clara. She oversees legislative planning, budget strategy and policy initiatives spanning health equity, child welfare, affordable housing and gender-based violence prevention, advancing regional collaboration and racial justice.

Max Sanchez is a public-sector professional serving as Chief of Staff for the City of Dallas. He supports executive leadership in coordinating municipal priorities, aligning departmental efforts and advancing strategic initiatives that address citywide challenges and strengthen public services for Dallas residents.