Kenyan-Born Chichi Nyagah-Nash Appointed Maryland Deputy Chief of Staff
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Kenyan-born public servant Chichi Nyagah-Nash has been appointed as a Deputy Chief of Staff in the Maryland State Government, following an announcement by Governor Wes Moore on October 28, 2025. The appointment is part of a broader administrative restructuring led by newly appointed Chief of Staff Lester Davis, with Nyagah-Nash officially taking up her new role on October 29, 2025.
In her new position, Nyagah-Nash will oversee several critical state departments, including environmental protection, transportation, general services, information technology, and energy. Her leadership will play a key role in advancing Maryland’s goals around infrastructure, sustainability, and modernization. Governor Moore commended her selection, stating, “Chichi and Michael’s expertise will be vital to our administration and the State of Maryland during this unprecedented time.” He further added that her “commitment to public service and her deep understanding of Maryland’s communities make her an exceptional leader for this moment.”
How Did Chichi Nyagah-Nash Rise to Leadership in Maryland?
Nyagah-Nash’s journey from Nairobi to Annapolis represents years of dedication and professional excellence. Born and raised in Kenya, she immigrated to the United States at 19 to pursue higher education. She earned her undergraduate degree in International Business Administration from Alliant International University, followed by an MBA from Johns Hopkins University.
Her professional background spans more than a decade in public administration. Before this appointment, she served as Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of General Services, where she managed the agency’s strategic operations. She also held key roles in the City of Baltimore, including Deputy City Administrator under Mayor Brandon Scott and Director of the Department of General Services. These positions equipped her with extensive experience in managing complex government systems and leading teams through change.
What Does This Appointment Mean for the Kenyan Diaspora?
Although her role focuses on state-level governance in the U.S., Nyagah-Nash’s appointment carries strong symbolic value for the Kenyan diaspora. Her rise reflects the growing influence of African-born professionals in American public institutions and highlights how immigrant communities continue to shape policy and leadership. Known for describing herself as proudly “waving two flags,” she embodies the balance of dual identity as both a strength and a bridge between diverse perspectives.
Beyond her government duties, Nyagah-Nash actively contributes to civic and professional development. She serves on the boards of Business Volunteers Maryland and the University of Baltimore’s Schaefer Center for Public Policy. In 2018, she was recognized by The Maryland Daily Record as one of Maryland’s Leading Women for her commitment to excellence and public service.
Chief of Staff Lester Davis emphasized the importance of her addition to the team, saying, “Chichi and Michael embody what it means to be public servants. They bring deep experience, steady leadership, and a shared commitment to making government work better for everyone.”
Nyagah-Nash’s appointment not only strengthens the Moore administration’s leadership team but also stands as an inspiring milestone for Kenyan and African professionals making an impact in international governance.
By Yockshard Enyendi
