'No stranger to county government': George promotes office manager to chief of staff

Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George late last month announced the hiring of Shaneka Smith as his new chief of staff.

This is a promotion for Smith, who was recently employed as George’s administrative and external affairs manager.

“It is with great enthusiasm that I announce Shaneka Smith as my new chief of staff,” George tweeted. “I look forward to continuing to work with Shaneka.”

According to Community Impact Newspaper, Smith in her new position is the most senior member among the county judge's staff and acts as his top adviser.

George, a Democrat, announced the hiring two days after Christmas.

He lauded Smith, who joined his administration in 2019, for her leadership.

“Shaneka’s leadership has been key to our team’s accomplishments since almost the very beginning of my administration,” George said, Community Impact Newspaper reported. “She’s no stranger to county government, she has been involved in nearly every issue we have tackled. Whether it’s operations, strategy, policy or crisis management, Shaneka is a person who brings people together, solves problems and dedicates herself to the work to make Fort Bend County a better place for everyone.”

According to a statement obtained by the publication, Smith has the opportunity to work with the administration to streamline procedures and enhance collaboration and communication among the judge’s office, county leadership and the community.

Smith expressed gratitude toward George for placing his trust in her.

“I am honored to have earned the trust of Judge George to fill this position in his administration,” she said in the statement. “We have an exceptionally talented and experienced team in the county judge’s office, all who are dedicated to this office and the people of Fort Bend County. There is a lot of work to do, and I can’t wait to continue to move Fort Bend forward and work together to make our county more efficient, effective and engaging for all.”

During her time as George’s office manager, Smith battled breast cancer.

The Fort Bend Herald reported that she considered the ordeal the most difficult time of her life but persevered thanks to the support of her family.