JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Just days after the announcement that Mayor Deegan's Chief of Staff Pat McCollough was stepping down, the City of Jacksonville is announcing the next person to take on the role.
In a new release Tuesday, the city said that Florida Blue North Region Market President Darnell Smith will serve as Mayor Deegan's new chief of staff starting Jan. 2, 2024.
Smith will continue his role at Florida Blue and will serve as an "executive on loan" through a contract with the city and company. Florida Blue will be responsible for Smith's salary and benefits, according to the city.
Smith said he believes in Deegan's vision for bringing Jacksonville together.
"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."
Smith has worked for Florida Blue for more than 30 years and was promoted to his current role as north region market president 10 years ago. Smith previously served as Deegan's co-chair on her transition team.
The City said Smith served on numerous boards across Jacksonville including the Sulzbacher Center, JAX Chamber, United Way of Northeast Florida, Blue Zones Jacksonville, and more.
Deegan said she looks forward to Smith taking over as the leader of her team.
"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," said Deegan.
Smith's appointment comes less than a week after the city announced that Pat McCollough was stepping down from her post after exactly six months in the role.
The Florida Times-Union reported that a resignation or termination letter for McCollough will not be publicly provided because she is "currently exploring other roles with the city."