Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego’s has a new Chief of Staff running her office.
After serving with distinction as the Chief of Staff to the Mayor of the fifth largest city in the United States for three years, Lisa Fernandez, a trusted advisor of Ms. Gallego for over a decade, is moving on for new opportunities.
She will be replaced by Deputy Chief of Staff Clark Princell.
Announcing the change in a February 10 press release, Mayor Gallego said:
“Lisa and I have experienced breathtaking accomplishments and profound challenges during our time together. When I was elected in 2019, it was impossible to know that a global pandemic was around the corner, and that we would be confronted with a situation few could imagine or anticipate. While I will miss working with Lisa day-to-day, I couldn’t be more excited to promote Clark Princell into the job of Chief of Staff. His deep policy and political experience, his leadership, and his ability to get things done will continue to be a tremendous asset to this office.”
In the same press release, Chief of Staff Fernandez wrote:
“I am excited for what comes next, and couldn’t be happier with Clark at the helm, supported by the strong, professional team in the Mayor’s office.”
On social media, she posted:
Bittersweet! The last 3 years have been the best experience of my life. Thank you @MayorGallego for putting your trust in me to help lead and work for the city I love. I could not be happier to have @clarkprincell taking over and can’t wait for what’s next. https://t.co/Wqdt2ZaK00
— Lisa Fernandez (@LisaDFernandez) February 10, 2022
New Chief of Staff Princell, who had been in charge of coordinating policy at the federal, state, and local level, also posted on social media, stating:
Greatful to @LisaDFernandez for her mentorship and looking forward to continuing to work for the best Mayor and best city in America. https://t.co/UgBdZLGCfz
— clarkprincell (@clarkprincell) February 10, 2022
The news of the appointment has received praise on social media.
For example, the Greater Phoenix Chamber for Public Affairs posted:
Big news and big congrats to Clark Princell! A consummate professional that @phxchamber and broader business community has a great working relationship with. Kudos @MayorGallego on an outstanding pick! https://t.co/34nPegeknn
— GPC Public Affairs (@GPCpolicy) February 10, 2022
The Phoenix IDA posted:
Congratulations @clarkprincell – looking forward to your leadership! Thank you @LisaDFernandez for all the great work you have done and will continue to do! https://t.co/zUVD1w4h5f
— Phoenix IDA (@PhoenixIDA) February 12, 2022
The Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association posted:
Congratulations to @clarkprincell and great pick @MayorGallego. Looking forward to our continued success. https://t.co/uSo1oSJhSr
— AZ Lodging & Tourism Association (@AZLTAnews) February 11, 2022