Brayton tapped as Cicilline's staff chief

The office of Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline has just released a statement indicating that Christopher Bizzacco, his wunderkind chief of staff, is being replaced by Operations chief Deb Brayton. Bizzaco, who is preparing to pursue an advanced degree, takes on a new title as senior adviser.

The Mayor praised Bizzacco as an “extremely bright and talented individual with a strong work ethic and fierce dedication to public service.”

“I’ve always known that Chris was a rising star with tremendous talent, enormous strength of character and outstanding leadership skills,” said Mayor Cicilline.  “He has earned the deep respect of his peers and I am grateful that he will continue to be an invaluable member of my team as my Senior Advisor.

“I’m also extremely fortunate to have someone with Deborah Brayton’s vast experience leading my administration to the next level of excellence as we continue the transformation of Providence into a great 21-Century city,” said the Mayor.

With the possibility that Linc Chafee might run for mayor in 2010, some have speculated that the City Hall presence of Brayton, a Chafee veteran, is designed to help smooth the way for this.