Newsroom

Today, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo announced several key personnel updates to the County Judge’s Office. 

After more than two years of service to the County Judge’s Office, Chief of Staff Joe Madden will step down from his position as Chief of Staff. Starting immediately, Alex Triantaphyllis will serve as Chief of Staff. Additionally, Rafael Lemaitre will expand his duties and serve as Senior Advisor in addition to his current role as Communications Director. Wallis Nader, who currently serves as Deputy Policy Director, will be appointed as Policy Director for Judge Hidalgo.

“On behalf of the entire County Judge’s Office, I want to thank Joe for his service to the people of Harris County. Joe was the first person I hired after my election, and I am incredibly grateful to him for the team he has helped build, for the relationships he has forged, and for his immense contributions to all of our progress to date. Over the past two-plus years, he has helped manage the toughest challenges our county has faced. From the ITC fire, to numerous flood events, a historic winter storm disaster and the ongoing pandemic, I and all Harris County residents have greatly benefited from his hard work, expertise, and commitment to our residents. I wish Joe all the best as he moves forward and hope you will join me in thanking him for his tireless commitment to public service. I also want to congratulate Alex, Rafael, and Wallis on their new roles.”