Key Appointment in Maryland Government

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND – In a notable administrative reorganization, Maryland Governor Wes Moore has appointed Kenyan-born Chichi Nyagah-Nash as a Deputy Chief of Staff. The announcement was made on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, as part of a broader restructuring led by the recently appointed Chief of Staff, Lester Davis. Nyagah-Nash is set to assume her new duties on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, East Africa Time.

In her elevated position, Nyagah-Nash will hold a significant portfolio with oversight of several key state departments. These include environmental protection, transportation, general services, information technology, and energy. Her leadership will be central to advancing the Moore administration's agenda on infrastructure, sustainability, and the modernization of government services. Governor Moore praised her appointment, stating, “Chichi and Michael's expertise will be vital to our administration and the State of Maryland during this unprecedented time.” He further noted her “commitment to public service and her deep understanding of Maryland’s communities make her an exceptional leader for this moment.”

A Journey from Nairobi to Annapolis

Born and raised in Kenya, Nyagah-Nash’s journey to a high-ranking position in the Maryland executive branch is one of notable personal and professional achievement. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 19 to pursue higher education. Her academic credentials include an undergraduate degree in International Business Administration from Alliant International University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University.

Her career in public service is extensive. Prior to her new appointment, she served as the Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of General Services, where she was responsible for the agency's tactical and operational functions. She also has a decade of experience serving the City of Baltimore in various capacities, including as Deputy City Administrator under Mayor Brandon Scott and as Director of the Department of General Services. This deep experience in municipal and state-level governance provides her with a robust understanding of the operational challenges and opportunities within public administration.

Implications for Kenyan Diaspora and Local Leadership

While Nyagah-Nash’s appointment is primarily a story of American state politics, it resonates deeply within the Kenyan diaspora. Her rise to a position of significant influence serves as a powerful example of the contributions of Kenyan immigrants in the United States. Often referring to herself as proudly “waving two flags,” her success underscores the potential for dual identity to be a source of strength and unique perspective in leadership.

Her role has no direct jurisdiction over Kenyan or East African affairs. However, her position within a major U.S. state government places a member of the Kenyan diaspora in a network of influential policymakers. This can indirectly foster greater understanding and potential for collaboration on shared global challenges such as environmental policy and technology, areas that fall directly within her new purview.

A Record of Service and Recognition

Beyond her official duties, Nyagah-Nash is an active participant in civic life. She contributes her expertise to the boards of Business Volunteers Maryland and the University of Baltimore’s Schaefer Center for Public Policy. Her contributions to her community and profession have not gone unnoticed. In 2018, The Maryland Daily Record recognized her as one of Maryland’s Leading Women, an award that celebrates significant professional and community achievements.

Chief of Staff Lester Davis lauded her addition to the team, stating, “Chichi and Michael embody what it means to be public servants. They bring deep experience, steady leadership, and a shared commitment to making government work better for everyone.” Her appointment is part of a strategic effort by the Moore administration to build an inclusive and effective leadership team to address the complex challenges facing the state of Maryland.