As first reported in this week’s edition of The Cheat Sheet, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett has named Taylor Schaffer as his new Chief of Staff.
Schaffer is the current deputy chief of staff and previously served as communications director for the mayor’s office. In her current role, Schaffer serves as a senior policy advisor managing all messaging and communications efforts for the mayor’s office and executive branch departments.
She replaces Thomas Cook, who has served as Chief Deputy Mayor and chief of staff since January 2016.
In addition, Hogsett has named Judith Thomas Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement. Thomas currently runs Judith & Co., a consulting firm focused on arts, culture, and tourism, and is a community scholar of Africana studies at IUPUI.
“I am excited to announce two major appointments of experienced women who will help guide our city as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Hogsett. “Their leadership will be essential as we work toward making Indianapolis more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous. I also want to thank the dedicated public servants they replace, who have made an indelible impact on Indianapolis over the past five years.”
