Palin confirms Nizich as top aide

Posted by Wesley Loy

Posted: August 27, 2008 - 3:59 pm

From Wesley Loy in Anchorage –

Gov. Sarah Palin today removed the "acting" from chief of staff Mike Nizich's title.

Nizich has been doing the job Mike Tibbles vacated in May. Tibbles is now campaign manager for U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens.

Here's the governor's press release on Nizich:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 27, 2008

Governor Palin Names Mike Nizich Chief of Staff

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Governor Sarah Palin today named Mike Nizich Chief of Staff. Nizich, who started his state service under former Governor Jay Hammond, has most recently served as acting Chief of Staff since May.

“I could not be more pleased that Mr. Nizich has decided to continue working with the team and serve the state of Alaska in this capacity,” Governor Palin said. “Mr. Nizich is a well-respected, proven leader with decades of institutional knowledge and a profound understanding of the public policy process.”

Nizich, 56, came to Juneau in 1971 with the U.S. Coast Guard. He started working for the state of Alaska in 1976 in the Office of the Governor. Nizich served as Director of Administrative Services under Governor Bill Sheffield, a position he held through the Knowles administration. Governor Frank Murkowski appointed him Deputy Chief of Staff and Nizich continued in that position in the Palin administration.

“It has been a privilege and a pleasure to be a part of state government,” Nizich said. “I look forward to meeting the challenges ahead in my new position.”

Nizich will continue to be based in the Governor’s Juneau office.

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