BALTIMORE (Jan. 9, 2023) — Today, Governor-Elect Wes Moore announced several new additions to the staff of the incoming administration.

“Today, I’m proud to announce the addition of these experienced public servants to our Administration,” said Governor-Elect Wes Moore. “These individuals are dedicated and experienced—I know that on day one they’ll be ready to help us create a Maryland where no one is left behind.”

June Chung, Deputy Legislative Officer
June Chung is currently a policy analyst with the Department of Legislative Services (DLS) and serves in both the bill drafting and committee staff functions. For the last two sessions, she served as committee counsel for the House Appropriations Committee, staffing the Health and Social Services Subcommittee, Oversight Committee on Pensions, and Oversight Committee on Personnel. She drafts in subject areas of tax, pensions, education, health, human services, labor and employment, and budget process. During the interim, she also staffs the Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee and the Joint Committee on Pensions.

Before joining DLS, June graduated from the University of Baltimore Law School in 2018 after taking a career break. Prior to the break, she first worked as a history teacher for six years in Pennsylvania and Virginia, using her bachelor’s degree in sociology and master’s degree in education. In a move towards law school, she worked as a legal secretary and administrative assistant at law firms in Washington, D.C. and Minneapolis, respectively.

She also brings a unique perspective from her life experience. June was born in South Korea and lived in England for ten years before immigrating to the United States. As a former U.S. history teacher and child of immigrants who survived the Korean War, she understands fully the privileges and educational opportunities afforded to her as an American. It is the combination of experience and education that have brought her to this opportunity to continue service to the State in a new capacity. She looks forward to working with the team in the Legislative Office, moving the Governor–Elect’s legislative priorities, and growing in this new role.

Dana Tagalicod (Manager in DLS): “As a DLS bill drafter and committee staffer, June was always eager to learn and enhance her subject matter knowledge and technical skills, including successfully assuming new responsibilities and challenges. These qualities, along with her positive attitude, conscientiousness, and easygoing professionalism are just a few of the reasons why June is well liked and will be missed by her DLS colleagues and supervisors.”

Delegate Mark Chang (Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee): “During her time with the House Appropriations Committee, Ms. Chung exemplified integrity, fairness, passion, and a work ethic that are examples for us all in public service. June’s strong understanding of the complex budget process and her ability to work with diverse stakeholders have contributed to the State budget being equitable for all. Ms. Chung’s professional manner, compassionate heart, and diligence will be assets to the Moore–Miller Administration.”

Brad Fallon, Deputy Legislative Officer
Brad Fallon is a passionate public servant who has worked in and around the Maryland General Assembly since 2017 in a variety of policy and electoral campaign roles. Most recently, Brad served as House Majority Leader Eric Luedtke’s Chief of Staff where he helped to shape a diverse array of policies impacting Marylanders. From his position as a top staffer to a member of House leadership, Brad gained a well-rounded view of the key issues and players that drive Maryland politics. In 2022, Brad worked tirelessly for the House Democratic Caucus to help strengthen the Democratic majority. 

Born in Alaska, Brad began calling Maryland home in 2003 when his father was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Harford County. Brad graduated from Bel Air High School and earned his BA in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, College Park. He returned to College Park in 2022 as a Co-Professor in the Department of Government and Politics along with Former Howard County Executive Ken Ulman.

Ken Ulman (Former Howard County Executive): “I have known Brad Fallon for years as a diligent, focused, and driven public servant who thrives by finding creative solutions to challenges facing our communities and society. I am confident that Brad will make a great addition to the Moore-Miller Team.”

Senator Will Smith (Chairman of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee): “Brad’s appointment is welcomed news! Brad is a compassionate, extremely talented public servant of the highest moral character – a rare synthesis of qualities that will serve our state well.”

Myles Hicks, Deputy Legislative Officer
Myles is thrilled to join the Moore/Miller Administration as Deputy Legislative Director. He’s spent his career honing his leadership skills and building a network across a variety of industry sectors. Most recently, Myles served as the Executive Director of Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence (MPGV). MPGV tackles the issue of gun violence from various angles, using data and research to guide organizational initiatives. In this role, Myles promoted safer communities across Maryland by co-leading the Maryland Violence Prevention Coalition and oversaw the Liberty Elementary School Grief Support Program.

Before joining MPGV, Myles served as the Executive Director of Maryland Rise, a nonprofit working to promote economic opportunity for all Marylanders. As part of Maryland Rise, he became an active member of the Fair Funding Coalition and Campaign Manager of the Time to Care Coalition and advocated for legislation that supported economic security. He played a key role in passing the Time to Care Act, statewide paid family and medical leave legislation that will benefit millions of Maryland workers. Myles began his career in consulting with MD Strategic Consulting. This role took Myles across the country, covering a variety of industries including real estate development, fundraising, and community organizing.

Myles graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2017. He has served as a Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellow in 2016, a New Leader Council’s (NLC) Fellow in 2020, and later served on the NLC board as curriculum co-chair in 2021. In his free time, Myles coaches track and field as an assistant coach for Hammond High School and ‘A Faster You’ Track Club and continues to engage with his community.

Len Lucchi (Chair of Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence): “Myles Hicks is a highly skilled legislative advocate and will be a tremendous asset to the Moore-Miller administration.”

Jayson Williams (CEO of Mayson-Dixon Companies): “I have known Myles since he first started as an intern with my firm in public affairs and rising during his tenure to Director of Strategic Partnerships. His dedication to justice and accomplishment of passing paid family leave shows his dedication to creating opportunity for people. Myles has access to all the tools for success that will ensure the Moore-Miller agenda is fulfilled.”

Saif Ratul, Deputy Legislative Officer
Saif Ratul is a veteran political campaign operative with nearly a decade of experience in highly competitive Democratic campaigns across the country. Most recently, Ratul served as the Coordinated Campaign Director for the Maryland Democratic Party that achieved historic electoral milestones, including electing the first Black Governor, successfully defending down-ballot swing races, and increasing the Democratic majority in both state legislative chambers.

Prior to serving as the Coordinated Campaign Director, Ratul served as the Director of Political Engagement for the Wes Moore for Maryland Gubernatorial campaign, where he utilized his political relationships and advocacy skills to promote the campaign’s political and policy priorities. Ratul also worked on several Maryland and National Campaigns, including Biden for President, Amy Klobuchar for President, Chris Van Hollen for U.S. Senate, and others.

Ratul immigrated from Bangladesh with his family at age 13. He has a B.A. in Mathematics and Political Science from the State University of New York at Geneseo. He started in politics in 2013, working in the New York City mayoral election. Since then, Ratul has worked in numerous political campaigns at various levels in Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Maryland, New York, and Tennessee.

Antonio Hayes (Senator, District 40): “Saif has a talent for relationship-building and problem-solving that I’ve come to know and admire. I am confident that he will continue to serve as Deputy Legislative Officer, and I look forward to working with him to build a legislative agenda that will leave no Marylander behind.” 

Yvette Lewis (Chairwoman of the Maryland Democratic Party): “Saif is an accomplished political operative with years of experience in Maryland and National politics who understands the importance of building and maintaining relationships to serve the community. Saif’s talent for building consensus among campaigns as the Coordinated Director played a crucial role in electing our fantastic slate of candidates. I know he will be a great addition to the legislative team.”

Melissa Ross, Deputy Legislative Officer
Melissa Ross began her career with the state as a member of the Chief Clerk’s Office in the Maryland House of Delegates in 1995. In 2006, after having taken some time off to focus on raising her young son, Melissa became staff for the Maryland Senate and spent the next ten years fine-tuning her legislative knowledge and skills – first in the Secretary of the Senate’s Office under President Mike Miller; and then as Assistant to Chair Joan Carter Conway in the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee. 

Most recently, Melissa has spent the past six years in the executive branch, building upon her legislative foundation as an Office Manager and Deputy Legislative Officer in the Governor’s Legislative Office. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from McDaniel College and a M.A. in History from Washington College. Also a certified teacher, she previously taught middle school World History, as well as U.S. History and Government at the college level.

Keiffer Mitchell (Former Chief Legislative Officer): “Melissa’s experience in the General Assembly allows the Moore Administration to tap into her institutional knowledge of the legislative process and procedures to ensure there is a seamless transition going into the 2023 session. She will be an invaluable asset to the team.”

David Turner, Communications Director
David Turner most recently served as Communications Director for the Democratic Governors Association (DGA). He was previously the DGA’s Deputy Communications Director in 2018. Previously, he was the Communications Director for Governor Ralph Northam’s successful gubernatorial campaign in Virginia, Communications Director in Missouri for Attorney General Chris Koster’s gubernatorial campaign, spokesman for Senator Mark Warner’s re-election campaign in Virginia, and Communications Director for Barbara Buono’s gubernatorial campaign in New Jersey. He has worked in Democratic politics since 2008. He graduated from Williams College with a B.A. in History, and grew up in Los Angeles.

Roy Cooper (Governor of North Carolina): “David is a seasoned communications professional whose experience will serve the people of Maryland well. As an integral member of DGA senior staff, he helped Democratic governors across the country tell the story of progress made and promises kept leading to one of the committee’s best election cycles in the last century. Wes Moore is going to be an outstanding Governor for the people of Maryland, and David will be a key part of the successful team he’s building.”

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Wes Moore is the Governor-Elect of the State of Maryland. He is a U.S. Army combat veteran who led soldiers in combat with the 82nd Airborne Division, a Rhodes Scholar, former small business owner, and former CEO of one of the nation’s largest anti-poverty organizations. Learn more at www.wesmoore.com.