Gibbons says staff turnover ‘common’
CARSON CITY -- Gov. Jim Gibbons has downplayed his recent staff turnover, calling it "pretty traditional" after a stressful legislative session.
Six of the Republican governor's Carson City staffers have resigned in less than a month.
Gibbons said he's not disappointed because people move on to higher-paying jobs in the private sector after gaining experience in high-level government positions.
"I think people look at these positions as stepping stones. It's hard to keep them," he told the Nevada Appeal. "Government is not easy to work in. They get so little thanks from the general public."
Gibbons notes his predecessor, Kenny Guinn, had six chiefs of staff during his two terms.
"It (turnover) is a pretty ordinary and common thing," he said. "It's a very stressful environment."
Among those who have resigned are Josh Hicks as chief of staff and Mendy Elliott as deputy chief of staff.
Other departing staffers are Gibbons' legislative director, Jodi Stephens, and his general counsel, Chris Nielsen. Nielsen's assistant, Kelly Chouinard, also left.
Gibbons' new chief of staff, Robin Reedy, said she'll have to fill some of those posts but is working to reorganize the office.
