Mayor John Dailey's chief of staff moves to

Two months after a City Hall shakeup in which three new assistant city managers were named, Mayor John Dailey’s chief of staff is moving into a department director position.

Thomas Whitley started this week as the director of Strategic Innovation. He served as the mayor’s chief of staff for the past three years and also worked with Dailey for a year during his tenure on the Leon County Commission. 

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Whitley said he “immensely enjoyed” his time at the mayor’s office but he seized an opportunity to apply for the open position when it became available.

Christian Doolin, who was named an assistant city manager in April, previously held the job. 

“I think it was a good opportunity to grow my career and serve the city as an organization and the citizens of Tallahassee in a new capacity,” Whitley said. “I just saw the opportunity after the reorganization and thought it might be a good fit.”

Whitley’s new position comes with a pay increase to roughly $130,000 a year. It also puts a close Dailey ally in a top leadership position at City Hall.

Dailey has named Courtney Thomas, previously the director of external affairs for the mayor’s office, as his new chief of staff. 

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Strategic Innovation is a “utility group,” said City Manager Reese Goad, who added that Whitley was selected from among several applicants.

The department helps develop the city’s strategic plan, agenda processes and policy development as well as oversees the city’s state and federal lobbying efforts.

Whitley’s move isn’t the only new hire at the director level.

John Reddick was hired as the director of Growth Management, a position left vacant by the promotion of Karen Jumonville to assistant city manager.