GOVERNOR'S CHIEF OF STAFF DEPARTING
Chief Counsel Named as Successor

Press Release
February 1, 2006

CARSON CITY—Governor Kenny Guinn announced today that Chief of Staff Michael Hillerby is departing the office, effective February 3, to become Executive Vice President of the Wingfield Nevada Group. Gov. Guinn immediately named Keith Munro, his General Counsel and Deputy Chief of Staff, to fill the void left by Hillerby’s departure.

“Michael has been an important part of my administration since joining the cabinet in 1999, and has been a terrific Chief of Staff since assuming the post more than two years ago,” Gov. Guinn said. “He has worked on all of the major issues we have faced and been instrumental in guiding our legislative agendas since the 2001 session.”

The Governor said fortunately a worthy replacement was close by: “Keith Munro has an important background in state government that has earned him tremendous respect from everyone he deals with. His valued tenure in my office makes him perfectly suited to become Chief of Staff, and I know he will do a great job.”

Hillerby joined Guinn's cabinet in 1999 as Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs. He was named Deputy Chief of Staff in March 2001, where he was responsible for legislative affairs and advising the Governor in areas such as education and health care. Hillerby was named Chief of Staff in November 2003. His responsibilities included overseeing the development and implementation of Gov. Guinn’s administration policy, guiding the budget process, and overseeing the legislative agenda.

“It has been an incredible privilege to serve a governor so devoted to helping all Nevadans succeed and prosper,” Hillerby stated. “I am very proud to have helped advance the Governor’s agenda and to have worked with the terrific staff in our office.”

As Executive Vice president of the Wingfield Nevada Group, Hillerby’s responsibilities will include work in government relations; the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Institute, a collaboration of the Nevada Cancer Institute and the University of Nevada School of Medicine; and other executive management functions for the diversified company. Hillerby said he will not appear before Executive Branch regulatory agencies during the remainder of Guinn’s term.

Munro became General Counsel to Gov. Guinn in January 2000. In November 2003, he was promoted to Deputy Chief of Staff and General Counsel. Munro previously spent more than six years (1993-2000) in the Litigation and Criminal Divisions of the Office of the Attorney General.

Munro said, “It has been a pleasure to serve Governor Guinn for the past six years. I am honored that he now has asked me to serve as his Chief of Staff. Although our staff will miss Michael Hillerby, we have a great team in place to work for the citizens of this state during Governor Guinn’s last 11 months in office.”