Cherry to replace Kieckhefer as chief of staff for Lombardo

Gov. Joe Lombardo has announced a transition in the role of chief of staff.

Chief of staff Ben Kieckhefer will be stepping down from his position after having helped guide a successful first year of the Lombardo administration, navigating the gubernatorial transition, office buildout, 2023 legislative session, and administration agenda development, a press release from the Lombardo’s office says.

Ryan Cherry, former chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Mark Hutchison and rural director for U.S. Sen. Dean Heller, will be joining the Lombardo administration as the new chief of staff.

Cherry has spent the past six years as a consultant, working extensively throughout Nevada and other western states on natural resources, mining, and energy issues.

Prior to consulting, Cherry spent nearly three years in the office of Hutchison as chief of staff, and nearly six years working on northern and rural issues for Heller. Cherry’s first day in the office will be Jan. 17.