Governor-elect Hannah Pingree has named Jesse Connolly as chief of staff for her incoming administration.
Connolly previously served as Pingree’s chief of staff when she was Maine House majority leader and speaker of the House from 2006 to 2010
He most recently served as chief of staff for Pingree’s mother, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree for the past 14 years.
Connolly will now work with Governor-elect Pingree’s recently announced 22-member transition committee before her inauguration on January 6.
“He has since held some of the most demanding roles in Maine and national politics, and he understands how to turn big goals into real results,” said Governor-elect Pingree. “I can’t think of anyone better to lead my team.”
Connolly is a Portland native and holds a political science degree from Bates College. He lives in South Portland with his wife, Nicole Clegg, who is CEO of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, and their son.
