Smith previously served as Chief of Staff in 2024 and Co-Chair of Mayor Deegan's transition team in 2023.

The most controversial part of the stadium lease agreement between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the city is the $300 million Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) that would help development outside the stadium.

The mayor’s office has confirmed that Pat McCollough is back on staff, but this time she’s overseeing civic engagement. There was not a reason given as to why McCollough didn’t work out as Chief of Staff. She served as Deegan’s campaign manager during last year’s election.

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan announced Tuesday the appointment of a new chief of staff. This comes days after the city announced former Chief of Staff Pat McCollough would no longer serve in that role.