Gwendolyn Brady, director of Banking and Insurance, "is still on staff," according to Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II, although some sources say her days are numbered because of her ties to the former administration.
James would say only that "some changes will be made, which is most natural in the political arena."
Brady was a key official in the Lieutenant Governor's Office under James' predecessor, Kenneth E. Mapp. She is married to Attorney General Julio A. Brady.
Meanwhile, the new lieutenant governor confirmed he has appointed Nathan Simmonds as his chief of staff and indicated he will retain attorney Deverita Sturdivant to assist with banking and insurance issues.
Simmonds has worked at the Legislature for "16 to 18 years," much of that time as post auditor. That position is one of the most important to the Legislature as the Post Audit Division analyzes the administration's proposed annual budget, advises senators on virtually every financial matter, prepares the Legislature's own annual budget and generally serves as the right arm of the Senate Finance Committee.
James, a former senator, said he had been impressed by Simmonds' work.
"I have found him to be competent as well as capable," he said. "I think he would be more than an asset to me."
Besides Banking and Insurance, the lieutenant governor has oversight of the Tax Assessor's Office, Corporate Office and various financial services. James indicated he will take his time assessing all the areas.
"It will be a continual and slow process as we put people in place," he said.