Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (left) and her new Deputy Chief of Staff Will Gaona | Arizona Gov. Office / LinkedIn
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (left) and her new Deputy Chief of Staff Will Gaona | Arizona Gov. Office / LinkedIn
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs (D) today announced a "reorganization of her leadership team" two days after her press secretary, Josselyn Berry, resigned following Berry’s tweet of a GIF of a gun-wielding woman with the text, "Us when we see transphobes."
"Governor Hobbs today announced the reorganization of her leadership team to continue delivering on her commitment to create an Arizona for Everyone," said a press release issued by Hobbs' office.
Will Gaona has been named the governor's Deputy Chief of Staff. According to Gaona's LinkedIn profile, he previously served as the Director of Public Affairs for Hobbs, and was Legislative Director in Hobbs' office when she served as Secretary of State. Gaona is a graduate of Arizona State University and has a masters from the University of Phoenix.
Hobbs' new Director of Policy is Jennifer Loredo, who previously served as the External Affairs Director for the Arizona Education Association (AEA), according to a previous press release issued by the governor''s office. According to her LinkedIn profile, Loredo worked for the AEA for more than eighteen years. She is a graduate from Arizona State University and has a Masters in Management.
Tracey Lopes has been appointed as Hobbs' Director of Community and Constituent Engagement. Lopes previously served as the governor's Director of Policy, according to a press release. Lopes previously served as a legal intern for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and was awarded a Certificate in International Humanitarian Rights by the International Committee of the Red Cross. She received her Masters in Forensic Psychology from Arizona State University.
The governor's office said that that a "new Director of Communications will be announced next week." That role was vacated with the resignation of Berry.
The Grand Canyon Times previously reported on Republican calls for Berry's resignation following her controversial tweet.
On March 29, Hobbs announced Berry's resignation, saying, "The post by the Press Secretary is not reflective of the values of the administration. The Governor has received and accepted the resignation of the Press Secretary."