ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced that Lester Davis will join the administration as the governor’s incoming Chief of Staff following the departure of Chief Fagan Harris at the end of this year.
“There is no doubt that the challenges facing our state today will require leadership of the highest caliber. With his dedication to public service and improving the lives of Marylanders, Lester Davis is precisely the leader our state needs in this critical moment,”
said Gov. Moore. “Lester is a known problem-solver, and his proven ability to secure improved outcomes for the people he serves will build on the progress our administration has made over the past two and a half years. He brings a commitment to building strong partnerships, uplifting communities, and delivering data-driven results that are in lockstep with the priorities our administration has championed since day one.”
Davis joins the Moore-Miller administration as a public service veteran with more than a decade of experience in Baltimore City government, including serving as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Mayor’s Office. Most recently, Davis served as the Vice President and Chief of Staff for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit health care organizations. There, he played a key role in shaping organizational strategy, advancing enterprise-wide priorities, and driving alignment across critical initiatives to support CareFirst’s mission.
Davis’ commitment to public service and his community is extensive; he has served on the transition teams for Governor Wes Moore, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott, and Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen. He was also appointed to the Baltimore Regional Water Governance Task Force, served on the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), where he focused on growing our economy, the Baltimore Regional Transit Commission, and the Baltimore Convention & Tourism Board.
Davis earned his undergraduate degree from Norfolk State University.
“Lester has been an invaluable partner to me and the CareFirst team, bringing steady guidance, integrity, and a dedication to service that have shaped our organization and the communities we serve,”
said Brian D. Pieninck, President & CEO, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. “What stands out most is Lester’s uncommon empathy and his ability to consistently bring out the best in those around him. I hold deep respect for his character and the example he sets and am confident that Governor Moore and all Marylanders will benefit greatly from his leadership.”
“Lester has been a trusted partner in leadership at CareFirst, strengthening our work and our connection to the communities we serve,”
said Jeffrey P. DiLisi, M.D., Board Chair, CareFirst, Inc. “He is a dedicated public servant, and the wisdom, perspective and heart he brings to every role he takes on will undoubtedly continue to inspire and elevate those around him in this next chapter.”
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