Hussey

Former Examiner Editor Deirdre Hussey has been hired by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom as his deputy chief of staff.

Hussey left the Examiner in February after a meeting with the paper’s new owner, Todd Vogt, who wished her well but said a “fresh start and some fresh ideas” were needed at the free paper.

She joined the Examiner in 2002 and was named editor-in-chief in July 2010.

In her new job, Hussey will oversee communications, social media and assist in policy and strategy, according to a news release from Newsom.

“Deirdre brings a depth political and media knowledge that makes her a natural fit for our team,” said Newsom, the former San Francisco mayor. “There is no doubt she will bring new energy to the office.”

Hussey said in the release: “Lt. Governor Newsom is a visionary, as we were reminded last week with the announcements regarding gay marriage. He has proposed and implemented public policy in areas such as health care and the environment that has set the national agenda. It is rare opportunity to be part of political team that is innovative and creative.”

Hussey started today (May 14) and will be located at the State Building in San Francisco.