Governor announces staff shake-up

Gov. Jim Gibbons announced a staff shake up today including replacement of his chief of staff Mike Dayton and chief operating office Dianne Cornwall.

Dayton will be replaced by current legal counsel and currently deputy chief Josh Hicks. Cornwall will trade places with Mendy Elliott, who has been his director of Business and Industry.

Dayton said he intends to return to private sector work.

Cornwall was described as "a perfect fit for the Department of Business and Industry."

Elliott will join the staff as deputy chief of staff.

"During Mendy's tenure at B&I, she has shown tremendous leadership and management skills," said gibbons.

In addition, Nick Vander Poel, who has been the deputy in charge of board and commission appointments, is moving to the Commission on Economic Development as a program director.

And press secretary Ben Kieckhefer was given a new title " communications director for the governor. Gibbons said the title change recognizes the work Kieckhefer has been doing since he was hired earlier this year.