Assemblymember Holden Welcomes New Chief of Staff Willie Armstrong

Assemblymember Chris Holden hired Willie Armstrong as his new Chief of Staff. Robbin Lewis-Coaxum who previously served in the role since Holden’s election to the 41st Assembly District in 2012 is retiring after nearly 40 years in the California State Assembly.

“I am thrilled to welcome Willie Armstrong to my team,” said Holden. “His impressive professional and educational background combined with a strong commitment to public service makes him an exceptional fit for my office.”

Willie Armstrong served ten years in the United States Air Force before pursing his career in public policy in California. After serving as Chief of Staff for Assemblymember Anna Caballero and Assemblymember Nora Campos, Governor Jerry Brown appointed Armstrong as Undersecretary for State and Consumer Services Agency in 2011. In 2014, President Barack Obama appointed Armstrong as a U.S. Diplomat where he worked as a Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, Ghana and served on the Yemen Task Force where he helped evacuate Americans out of Yemen. Prior to his arrival to Holden’s office, he was the Legislative Services Bureau Director for California Franchise Tax Board.

Armstrong also holds multiple degrees including a Doctor of Education from California State University of Sacramento, a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University, a Master in Administration Management from Bowie State University, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland University College. He is originally from New Madrid, Missouri.

Robbin Lewis-Coaxum spent nearly 40 years with the California State Assembly as a Chief Consultant, Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, and Program Director for the Assembly Fellowship Program. She started her career as an intern for Governor Jerry Brown during his first term in 1975. She also served on the board for the Bob Moretti Scholarship Foundation and Leadership California.

“Robbin’s leadership and expertise made a positive impact not just to my office, but also to the thousands of people she worked with in the Capitol Building, including hundreds of Assembly Fellows who are now serving the public,” said Holden. “We will certainly miss her incite, knowledge, and expertise.”