Comptroller Peter V.R. Franchot (D) has tapped Alex Butler, most recently a policy staffer at the Maryland Association of Counties, as his latest director of intergovernmental affairs.
Butler will replace Emily H. Gontrum, who was promoted recently to become the comptroller’s deputy chief of staff for management.
This is a return engagement for Butler to a degree: He worked on Franchot’s campaign staff in 2018 and 2019, according to his LinkedIn profile.
While a policy associate at MACo, Butler focused on planning and zoning, land use, energy and the environment, public ethics and information.
Butler also was an intern with former state Sen. James N. Mathias Jr. (D), the Delaware State Treasurer’s office, the Maryland Clean Energy Center, and the Queen Anne’s County state’s attorney’s office.
“Alex quickly gained the understanding and composure needed to advocate for a long list of county priorities,” said MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson. “He’s accomplished a lot for our county members, and it’s no surprise that he’s been recognized for that with this new opportunity.”