Sandoval names new administrative chief

CARSON CITY — Gov. Brian Sandoval on Wednesday appointed Patrick Cates, a veteran state administrator, as director of the Department of Administration.

Cates, current deputy director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife, replaces Jim Wells, who has filled the position on an interim basis since February. Wells remains state budget director under a realignment approved by the 2015 Legislature that split administration duties from the budget office.

"The Legislature changed the structure of the Department of Administration in order to provide a more efficient and responsive state government," Sandoval said in a statement.

Cates, with almost 20 years of state service, "has amassed a broad range of experience managing administrative and budget functions for several divisions and departments and I am confident he will be a strong and effective director," the governor said.

In previous state service, Cates managed administrative functions within the Department of Cultural Affairs, Health and Human Services and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

As administration director, Cates will oversee 10 divisions within state government, including risk management, purchasing, public works, human resources, state library and archives, fleet services and grant management.

The new Governor's Finance Office overseen by Wells consists of the state Budget Division and internal audits.

In another appointment Wednesday, Sandoval named Brian Mitchell as director of the re-established Governor's Office of Science, Innovation and Technology. Mitchell previously served as an education fellow for the governor's office.

Sandoval said re-establishing the office "is a step toward creating a Nevada where we align our education system and workforce development training to prepare today's students for the jobs of tomorrow."

Contact Sandra Chereb at 775-687-3901 or schereb@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @SandraChereb