Secretary of State-elect Benson names Hilarie Chambers chief of staff

Michigan Secretary of State-elect Jocelyn Benson last week announced the appointment of Hilarie Chambers to serve as her Chief of Staff at the Michigan Department of State.  Chambers is expected to join the Benson Administration on January 2.
“Since election day we’ve received an outpouring of interest from smart, talented professionals from diverse backgrounds seeking to join our team at the Secretary of State’s Office,” Benson said.  “Our first priority was to appoint a proven leader to work alongside me as we build and manage a team that is independent, innovative, and meets the highest standards of excellence for the citizens of Michigan. 
“Having observed Hilarie Chambers’ work over the past several years, I have consistently been impressed by her effectiveness at leading a team with integrity,” Benson added.  “I am thrilled she will be bringing her extensive strategic and management experience and strong political acumen to the department.”
Chambers notably served as chief of staff to U.S. Congressman Sander Levin for more than 20 years, overseeing both his Washington and Michigan offices.  She subsequently worked as executive director of Reading Works, a collective of 10 community-based adult education providers in Southeast Michigan.  She is an appointed member of the Detroit Workforce Development Board.
“Secretary of State-elect Benson’s impressive career in law and justice has been dedicated to voting rights and the integrity of our elections systems, and I look forward to helping implement her vision for the Secretary of State’s office,” Chambers said.  “We share a mutual commitment to excellent customer service whether you are a Michigander renewing your driver’s license or casting your ballot. I look forward to working with the employees of the Secretary of State’s Office as we undertake vital day-to-day services, introduce common sense and transparent improvements, and implement reforms approved by voters in November.”
During Chambers’ tenure with Congressman Levin she provided strategic and tactical leadership to his office, and to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee where she focused on policy development, communication, and coordination with administration and other committees to advance a legislative agenda in Michigan’s best interest. Her work has impacted and enacted legislation ranging from health care and campaign finance reform, to youth and community anti-drug efforts and fair trade policies. She fostered and maintained positive, long-term relationships with government officials and community, education, and business leaders at the federal, state, and local levels; and provided strategic leadership and counsel on major projects, local crises and community development initiatives involving multiple levels of government.
Additional members of Benson’s senior executive team will be announced in the weeks ahead.  Those interested in being considered for future appointments should submit a letter of interest and resume to jobs@JocelynBenson.com.
Benson will take the oath of office as Michigan’s 43rd Secretary of State on January 1, 2019 during Inaugural ceremonies on the lawn of the Michigan Capitol in downtown Lansing.