ANNAPOLIS, MD—Gov. Wes Moore has named Lester Davis as his new chief of staff, the governor’s office announced this week. Davis, a public service veteran and executive at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, will take over for Fagan Harris, who is leaving at the end of the year.
“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,” Moore said in a statement. “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.”
A Public and Private Sector Career
Davis brings more than a decade of experience in Baltimore City government, including serving as Deputy Chief of Staff in the mayor’s office. Most recently, he was the Vice President and Chief of Staff at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, where he helped shape organizational strategy and advance company-wide priorities.
His public service extends beyond his city government roles; Davis has served on the transition teams for Governor Moore, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, and City Council President Zeke Cohen. He has also been appointed to several commissions and boards, including the Baltimore Regional Water Governance Task Force and the Maryland Economic Development Corporation.
Brian D. Pieninck, President and CEO of CareFirst, described Davis as an “invaluable partner” who brought “steady guidance, integrity, and a dedication to service” to the organization.
The Departure of Fagan Harris
Davis will succeed Fagan Harris, who has served as chief of staff since Moore’s inauguration. Harris will be leaving to become president of the Abell Foundation, a Baltimore-based nonprofit.
A complete list of executive leadership changes in the Moore administration can be found on the governor’s office website.
