Rise from one-time Uber driver to chief of staff startles some HUD observers
(CNN) Rene Marsh, May 15, 2018 — A key staff change at the Department of Housing and Urban Development is again shining a spotlight on what some HUD insiders and former senior staff say is a notable lack of government, policy and relevant experience in some key positions at the agency.
Andrew Hughes, 32, is now serving in a powerful senior level position as chief of staff to HUD Secretary Ben Carson. As Hughes experiences a meteoric rise, the department’s deputy chief of staff, Deana Bass, will leave the department in early June, two sources familiar with the changes tell CNN.
Bass’ departure leaves Carson without one of the first aides he hired as a newcomer to politics, with Bass having previously served as the press secretary for his 2016 presidential campaign. Hughes and Bass served jointly in the deputy chief of staff role, and Hughes was promoted as the department plans for Bass’ departure.
CNN’s review of Hughes’ prior experience and employment as listed on his financial disclosure form found that, just eight months before joining HUD, Hughes worked as a special projects coordinator for the University of Texas System and briefly as an Uber driver.
via Rise from one-time Uber driver to chief of staff startles some HUD observers – CNNPolitics.