Whenever a candidate for mayor, governor or president is elected for the first time, the conversation quickly turns to who will make up their inner circle – and how qualified and capable their top appointees will be. While voters cast their ballots for their favored candidates, the winner’s ability to carry out an agenda largely depends on the abilities of trusted aides and advisers.

It’s a similar dynamic all across the public, private and nonprofit spheres. While CEOs, presidents and executive directors are the public faces of their organizations, agencies, industries or advocacy efforts, there are usually key deputies – vice presidents, program directors, division heads, chiefs of staff – who prove to be just as indispensable in achieving success.

City & State’s inaugural Unsung Heroe

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