Projo Politics Blog

PROVIDENCE -- Elizabeth Roberts, who will take over the lieutenant governor post on Jan. 2, has named two top staffers.

Jennifer Wood, chief of staff and chief legal counsel to commissioner of elementary and secondary education, will serve as general counsel and chief of policy in Roberts' new administration. And Paul Tencher, who managed her campaign, will serve as Roberts' chief of staff.

“Jennifer brings tremendous intellect, experience, and policy expertise to our office, and a management track record that will be a real asset. Paul is a rising star who knows the ins and outs of both government and politics, and is a creative and energetic manager," Roberts said in a statement announcing the staffing changes. "I am excited about the great potential this leadership team possesses.”

Tencher was previously a spokesman for Secretary of State Matt Brown. The West Warwick native also worked for Cranston-based Vision Strategies, a public relations, marketing and government relations firm.

Wood served in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education since 1998 where she has overseen policy development, budget management, and strategic planning, among other things. She previously worked as general counsel to the National Education Association of Rhode Island.

And from 1993 to 1998 Wood was the legal counsel for the Health, Education and Welfare Committee of the Rhode Island Senate.

-- projo.com staff writer Steve Peoples

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