GRANHOLM - Governor Names Gent to Head Michigan D.C. Office; Appointment Signals Seamless Transition on Priorities

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today named Deputy Chief of Staff Genna Gent director of Michigan's Washington D.C. office, effective June 9. Gent replaces Dan Beattie who has accepted a position with Clark Hill's Government and Public Affairs Group in Washington.

As director of the Washington office, Gent will serve as the principal manager of Michigan's federal and interstate affairs, advocating the state's interests before Congress, the federal administration, and its administrative agencies.

"As the nation prepares for a new president, the role of our Washington office will be all the more important, and that is why I am gratified that Genna Gent is willing to take on this new responsibility," Granholm said. "To have one of our top advisors spearhead the state's agenda in the nation's Capital will be invaluable as we make the case for Michigan to our partners in Washington."

Gent has served Granholm since early 1999 and has been intimately involved in the administration's decision-making since Granholm became governor in 2003. She served as Granholm's long-time speechwriter and as communications director on both of the governor's gubernatorial campaigns. In addition to leading message development teams on the governor's state of the state and budget presentations, Gent also helped to introduce new communication vehicles to the governor's office, including an electronic newsletter and weekly radio address. She will continue to serve as deputy chief of staff, adding oversight of the D.C. office to her portfolio but continuing her role as a counselor on message and strategic decisions.

Governor Granholm announced that Press Secretary Liz Boyd will take over the role of communications director, overseeing day-to-day operation of the communications office and its staff in addition to retaining her responsibilities as press secretary. Boyd's new responsibilities are also effective June 9.

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