ANNAPOLIS, MD — Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller today announced the appointment of Geri Royale Byrd as chief of staff for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. Byrd is a dedicated professional with more than 30 years of experience in both the public and private sector, whose work is driven by an enduring commitment to service.
“Geri stood out immediately as the right person for this role, and I am confident that she has the experience, expertise, and drive needed to support improved outcomes for Marylanders,”
said Lt. Gov. Miller. “Geri understands the unique opportunities and challenges within our state and region based on her past work, and she has a proven track record of advancing change through effective partnership building. We are excited to be a part of her next chapter in service to our state.”
Byrd, a Baltimore native, began her public service journey under the Obama Administration as a correspondence analyst for Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner in the Office of Financial Stability. She also served in the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office as director of logistics and special assistant to the mayor before being elevated to deputy chief of staff. During the transition of Baltimore City government in 2019, she served as deputy chief and senior advisor to the acting mayor, where she helped drive policy and priorities with key cabinet officials and external partners. She most recently served as director of community and external affairs for the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Byrd is a graduate of the University of Maryland College Park, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Journalism. She also currently serves as a member of the board of trustees for the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company and was elected as the first Black female to serve on the Board of Governors for the Maryland Club in its 166-year history.
Byrd will help advance key policy profiles within Lt. Governor Miller’s portfolio, including matters relating to transportation, mental health, and STEM equity. The lieutenant governor also chairs Maryland’s first Council on Interfaith Outreach, which convenes faith leaders from across religions and across the state of Maryland to bridge divides, increase religious tolerance, end hate, and better serve all communities.
“I look forward to continuing to serve and lead in this exciting new journey with the Moore-Miller Administration and the people of Maryland,”
said Geri Royale Byrd.