On Thursday, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth announced the promotion of Jess Skaggs to chief of staff effective October 1.

In announcing the promotion on social media, Ainsworth asserted that Skaggs’ leadership had proven invaluable in passing critical pieces of legislation.

“Jess Skaggs has already accomplished great things at a young age, and I am proud to announce he will become my office’s Chief of Staff on October 1,” Ainsworth stated. “His success in drafting and passing 22 bills that have made Alabama the nation’s most welcoming state for military families and veterans is just one example of his hard work. I look forward to accomplishing even more great things on behalf of Alabama with Jess leading my staff.”

Skaggs is a household name in Alabama political and business circles.

Prior to serving as Ainsworth’s deputy chief of staff, he had served as the deputy commissioner for external affairs for the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industry, delegation director for the Baldwin County Legislative Office, and as a legislative aide to former State Sen. Tripp Pittman (R-Montrose).

“I appreciate the opportunity that Lt. Gov. Ainsworth has provided me and look forward to helping him make Alabama an even better place to live, work, worship, and raise a family,” Skaggs said of being named to the new role. “He is one of the most dedicated, visionary, and conservative leaders our state has seen in decades, and I’m confident that Alabama’s future is in good hands on Lt. Gov. Ainsworth’s watch.”

In addition to his experience on the official office side, Skaggs has successfully consulted and managed numerous campaigns. A graduate of Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Jess and his wife, Charlanna, have three daughters and one son.

Ben Richardson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News.