These changes include creating the equivalent of two reconfigured deputy chiefs of staff positions, instead of just one deputy position. One deputy will oversee education, health care, public safety, and natural resources. The other position will oversee economic development, technology and transportation.
"Coming out of the recession and with a recovering economy, Oregon is in a position of tremendous opportunity to create a stronger education system and sustainable economy for the long-term," said Kulongoski. "I am thankful to the team I had in the first term to help move Oregon through the recession, and now it's time to ensure I have the right combination of staff with the right background to deliver the outcomes the public elected me to deliver."
As part of this reorganization, the governor's Chief of Staff Pat Egan will step down. The governor named Chip Terhune as his incoming chief of staff.
The governor also announced as part of the reconfiguration that his Deputy Chief of Staff Peter Cogswell will transition to a senior policy advisor in charge of energy, telecom and utility policy.
"Peter has been and remains a trusted and valuable advisor and I am pleased that he will be part of my team to lead Oregon toward ending our dependence on foreign oil and implementing a meaningful renewable portfolio standards in this coming legislative session," continued the governor.
The governor has named Tim Nesbitt to the deputy chief of staff position to oversee education, health care, natural resources and public safety policies.
The governor did not name the second deputy position yesterday. He is actively talking with members of the business and high-tech community to serve in this role and an announcement will be made at the appropriate time, according to a release from the governor's office.
Other staff changes include the appointment of Lonn Hoklin to serve as the communications director at the Department of Administrative Services and Anna Richter Taylor to serve as the governor's communications director.
Details about the new configuration of the Governor's Office, such as effective dates, are forthcoming and will be available upon his return from overseas.
