How to Address the Staff of a Governor

Chief of Staff 

—-Envelope or address block on an email:
——–The Honorable (Full name)
—-—-Chief of Staff to the Honorable (Full name of official)
—-—-(Address)

——–The Honorable (Full name)
—-—-Chief of Staff to the Governor of (State)
—-—-(Address)

—-Letter salutation:
—-—-Dear Mr./Ms./Dr./etc. (Surname):

—-Conversation:
—-—-Mr./Ms./Dr./etc. (Surname)

_____
Member of the Staff

—-Envelope  or address block on an email:
——–Mr./Ms./Dr./etc. (Full name)
—-—-(Name of Staff Position)
—-—-(Address)

—-Letter salutation:
—-—-Dear Mr./Ms./Dr./etc. (Surname):

—-Conversation:
—-—-Mr./Ms./Dr./etc. (Surname)

 

Robert Hickey author of “Honor & Respect”

How to Address a Governor’s Cheif of Staff?

How does one address a high-ranking appointed state official who serve the Governor? For example: Governor’s Chief of Staff, Governor’s Policy Director, Governor’s Legislative Director, etc.? Is it correct to call them the Hon. John Smith?
——————-– Rod

Dear Rod:
Typically, a U.S. governor’s Chief of Staff is addressed as ‘the Honorable (Full Name). Identify as Chief of Staff to the Honorable (Full name of Governor they serve.)

The other appointed officials you list … policy director …. legislative director … do not appear on any list I am familiar with suggesting they are addressed as ‘the Honorable’ (Full Name). Address these as Mr./Ms./Dr./etc. (Full Name) and identify by the office they hold after their name.

I include in my book a list of appointed state officials that are typically addressed as ‘the Honorable’. However, there is probably a list for your state’s officials accorded that courtesy. Call the office of the chief of protocol for your governor: they will have that information.

– Robert Hickey

 

Robert Hickey author of “Honor & Respect”

When Should You Use the Forms on this Page?

You can use these forms of address for any mode of communication: addressing a letter, invitation, card or Email. (If there are differences between the official and social forms of address, I will have mentioned the different forms.)  The form noted in the salutation is the same form you say when you say their name in conversation or when you greet them.
___What I don’t cover on this site are many things I do cover in my book: all the rules of forms of address, about names, international titles, precedence, complimentary closes, details on invitations, place cards, all sorts of introductions, etc. I hope you’ll get a copy of the book if you’d like the further detail.

Not Finding Your Answer?

—-#1)  At right on desktops, at the bottom of every page on tablets and phones, is a list of all the offices, officials & topics covered on the site.

—-#2)  If you don’t see the official you seek included or your question answered send me an e-mail. I am pretty fast at sending a reply: usually the next day or so (unless I am traveling.)  Note: I don’t have mailing or Email addresses for any of the officials and I don’t keep track of offices that exist only in history books.

—-#3)  If I think your question is of interest to others, Sometimes I post the question  – but always change all the specifics.

— Robert Hickey 

 

Robert Hickey author of “Honor & Respect”