JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan announced Monday that Darnell Smith has returned as chief of staff, effective Aug. 10.
Smith previously served as chief of staff in 2024 and co-chaired Deegan’s mayoral transition team in 2023.
Before returning to local government, Smith spent more than 30 years at Florida Blue, where he served as North Florida market president until his retirement earlier this year. In that role, he oversaw market growth and community involvement across 36 counties in North Florida.
Deegan praised Smith’s background in executive leadership and community involvement as he returns to city government. “Darnell is the rare type of leader who brings decades of executive experience combined with genuine humility and an unending desire to help people,” Deegan said. “Jacksonville is a city on the rise and we’ll only climb higher with Darnell returning to lead our talented team.”
Smith expressed gratitude for the opportunity to resume leadership within the administration. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our city and building on the momentum that Mayor Deegan has created,” Smith said. “It’s an honor to be part of a team that is working to make Jacksonville safer, healthier and more affordable for everyone.”
During his career at Florida Blue, Smith managed teams of thousands of employees serving millions of customers. Beyond his corporate background, Smith has maintained active involvement in local civic organizations.
He has served on the boards of the Sulzbacher Center, Cathedral Arts Project, First Coast YMCA, LIFT JAX, JAX Chamber, JAXUSA Policy Council, United Way of Northeast Florida, A.L. Lewis Black Opportunity and Impact Fund and Blue Zones Jacksonville.
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