Manny Welsh will continue work with the Board of Public Works in his new, elevated role in Gov. Wes Moore’s administration. Welsh’s promotion is part of a reorganization of Moore’s office prior to the 2026 legislative session. (File photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)
A key member of Gov. Wes Moore’s team is being promoted as part of a reorganization of the governor’s staff.
Emmanuel “Manny” Welsh will become principal deputy chief of staff and chief administrative officer. The move is part of a reorganization of the second floor offices of the State House by Lester Davis, Moore’s incoming chief of staff.
“Manny is a proven public servant with a deep well of expertise in the operations of government that’s vital to guiding Maryland through this unprecedented time,” Moore said in a statement.
“This moment is generationally defining for our state. We have a solid foundation to grow from as we diversify our economy to become less reliant on the federal government, but as that relationship changes, we need to ensure Marylanders continue to receive a high level of service from their state government,” Moore said. “His new leadership role will help ensure our agencies do just that.”
The changes announced this morning could be the first as Davis takes the reins as Moore’s new chief of staff.
“This will be an iterative process,” said David Turner, a Moore spokesman. “As Chief Davis integrates further with the team, roles and processes will adjust to ensure the administration better delivers at a high level for the people of Maryland.”
Manny Welsh leans in to speak to Gov. Wes Moore during a Board of Public Works meeting. (File photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)
Welsh’s promotion takes effect Oct 15. Davis joins the governor’s office the same day. Welsh’s salary will be $202,000.
The model the office is moving to is relatively new to Maryland, though more than a dozen other states have similar organizational structures.
“Chief Davis brings his own experience and expertise to the role,” Turner said. “The model comes from his management experience in the City of Baltimore and at CareFirst.
“The Chief of Staff focuses on the most pressing strategic and political issues, orchestrates communications and political strategy, and manages upward to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor,” Turner’s statement said.
Davis, in his role, will serve as a gatekeeper to Moore — a traditional job for a chief of staff. Welsh, as second in command, will provide “executive-level oversight of state government operations,” Turner said.
“The Chief of Staff is responsible for the management, operations, strategy, policy, and external affairs of the Office of the Governor and the Moore–Miller Administration,” Turner said. “As the Governor’s highest-ranking aide and closest advisor, the Chief of Staff controls access and flow of information to the Governor, sets priorities, and ensures directives are executed across the Administration. All Deputy Chiefs of Staff will report directly to the Chief of Staff.”
Davis and Welsh take over at a time when advocacy groups, lobbyists, and others have complained over the last year that the second floor staff is unresponsive.
“The office of the governor takes seriously any critiques and suggestions for improvement,” Turner said. “Serving the state is a privilege, and during this unprecedented change in federal policy it’s vital the office adapts to the new environment. We’ll always look for ways to improve, as we have over the first two and a half years.”
Welsh’s promotion comes two weeks before Davis takes over as chief of staff.
Moore named Davis this month to succeed departing Chief of Staff Fagan Harris, who is leaving to become the president and CEO of the Abell Foundation in Baltimore.
SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Welsh will serve as “second-in-command” to Davis within Moore’s office. Welsh was one of several internal candidates for the chief of staff job.
He will also be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the office. As chief administrative officer, Welsh will work with Moore’s Cabinet and senior staff members. And he will continue overseeing Moore’s procurement policy and the Board of Public Works.
“This is a smart and timely decision as Maryland navigates changing dynamics with the federal government. By strengthening the Governor’s office with added structure, the administration will be able to respond more quickly and help agencies deliver critical services that meet Marylanders’ needs,” Kathy Hollinger, CEO of the Greater Washington Partnership, said in a statement provided by Moore’s office.
“Just as important, this model creates new opportunities to engage leading employers as partners — alongside government agencies — to ensure Maryland’s communities and economy remain strong,” her statement said. “This reflects the kind of forward-looking leadership this moment calls for.”
Moore, fresh off his 2022 election win, named Welsh as his liaison to the Board of Public Works.
Prior to that, Welsh worked for then-Comptroller Peter Franchot (D). Welsh, who was born in the Philippines, joined Franchot’s communication staff in 2015 and within a year, he was assisting the comptroller with the Board of Public Works. By 2020, Welsh was named Franchot’s chief of staff.
Welsh earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Towson University. He earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Baltimore.