Governor Sandoval's Chief of Staff Heidi Gansert resigned today with the following statement.

"After weeks of discussion with my family and subsequently with Governor Sandoval, I have decided this is the right time for me to step down as Governor Sandoval's chief of staff. As most everyone who is involved in state government knows, the chief of staff position requires an extraordinary commitment and I have given it my all since helping lead the transition and from our first day in office. In addition, preparation has begun on the Governor's biennial budget and legislative agenda, so now is the right time for a new chief to step in and guide the planning process for the 2013 Nevada Legislature."

"I am sorry to see Heidi leave my staff, but the work she has done laid the foundation for our team's continued success," Governor Brian Sandoval said. "Heidi's expertise with the state budget and policy matters was tremendously helpful during the legislative session and she has been a steady hand with my Cabinet and the operations of state government. I am grateful she agreed to serve during these important first two years."

"I have known Governor Sandoval since we were in high school together and it has been an opportunity of a lifetime to work for and with a person of such strong character and rare leadership abilities. I consider him a great governor and an exceptionally good person. I am grateful to have been a member of his leadership team. I have indicated to him that I will certainly make myself available to provide any assistance he or his staff may need in the future," Gansert added.

An announcement of the Governor's next chief of staff and transition timeframe will be made in the near future.