Riley Names Toby Roth to be Chief of Staff

Gov.-elect Bob Riley made the first major appointment to his administration Wednesday, naming former Business Council of Alabama official Toby Roth to be his chief of staff.

Roth, 34, of Montgomery, was the director of Riley’s campaign for governor and previously was vice president for advancement for the BCA.

As chief of staff, Roth will direct the day-to-day actions of Riley’s cabinet and staff.

“Toby has proven to be one of the most capable, dependable and talented individuals that I’ve had the opportunity to work with, and the people of Alabama will benefit greatly from his service to the state,” Riley said.

Roth said he would expect a high level of professionalism and ethical behavior from everyone who works for the Riley administration. He said he would give cabinet members and staff room to work, but would expect results.

“In general, I am not a micro-manager. I am for putting competent people in place with loose oversight, but manage by getting results,” Roth said.

A graduate of the University of Alabama and the College of William and Mary School of Law, Roth was the first director of the Alabama chapter of Citizens for a Sound Economy, a conservative consumer advocacy group.