Charlotte Golar Richie

Charlotte Golar Richie has joined Gov. Deval Patrick’s staff as senior advisor for federal, state and community affairs, Patrick’s office announced Monday. Golar Richie most recently served the City of Boston as director of the Department of Neighborhood Development (DND), managing housing and economic development programs and advising Mayor Thomas M. Menino on policy, legislation and community relations.

“I am thrilled that Charlotte is joining our team,” said Patrick. “She brings a wealth of experience from both the city and state levels and a lifelong commitment to our agenda.”

Golar Richie called the opportunity to work as a member of Patrick’s senior team “a tremendous honor.”

“While I will miss my work in city government and with my colleagues at DND, I am looking forward to this new opportunity for public service,” she said.

In describing Golar Richie’s new post, Patrick’s chief of staff Doug Rubin said she “will ensure that we are working effectively with all areas of government — local, state, and federal — as well as responding promptly and appropriately to constituents and communities across Massachusetts.”

Golar Richie will oversee the executive office’s interactions with the federal government and congressional delegation, state legislative relations and dealings with cities, towns and local officials, and will supervise the Governor’s Office of Constituent Services and the Office of Public Liaison.

As director of DND, Golar Richie managed a 200-person department with a $100 million budget. Through her efforts, the city has started nearly 18,000 units of housing, including 5,000 units for affordable to low- and moderate-income residents.

Golar Richie holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. She is currently pursuing an M.B.A. at Suffolk University.