Guinn aide joins Schwarzenegger

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2003 | 11:21 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Marybel Batjer, Gov. Kenny Guinn's chief of staff for the past three years, has resigned to join the Cabinet of California Gov.-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Batjer, who took the job with Guinn Dec. 1, 2000, said today she will leave Friday. Guinn is expected to elevate Michael Hillerby, the assistant chief of staff, to replace Batjer. She earned $111,144.

Batjer said she would have a Cabinet post that will direct policy for Schwarzenegger, who is to assume the governorship later this month.

"They asked me to come in as quickly as possible," Batjer said.

Guinn said Batjer "has done a terrific job as chief of staff for the past three years, and obviously it hasn't gone unnoticed next door in California."

Batjer has been Guinn's third chief of staff in his five years in office.

The governor said some of the key issues that Batjer worked on included a successful end of deregulation of energy, that stabilized costs for Nevada ratepayers; creating of a state medical insurance agency that helped provide doctors with malpractice insurance and coordinating efforts with the congressional delegation to stop Yucca Mountain.

She previously worked as second in command for the California Employment and Housing Department during the administration of Republican Gov. Pete Wilson, who was co-chairman of the Schwarzenegger election campaign.

She served in high-level staff jobs for 11 years during the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and the first George Bush.

When Schwarzenegger was elected, Guinn sent Batjer to meet with the new California governor to discuss issues that are mutual to each state, such as Lake Tahoe, Indian gaming and water.

Batjer grew up in Carson City, was senior class president in high school and in the 1973 yearbook was chosen "Mostly Likely to Succeed."

Her father, Cameron Batjer, served 14 years on the Nevada Supreme Court and later on the U.S. Parole Board.

The governor said the transition to Hillerby would be "seamless."

"Mike has done an outstanding job articulating our agenda with the Legislature during tough economic times," Guinn said. "The legislators trust Mike and as a former cabinent member, he knows his way around state government."

Hillerby, as assistant chief of staff for the last 2 1/2 years, was Guinn's point man during the Legislature. He frequently testified and answered questions about the governor's program.

Before joining Guinn's office, Hillerby, 39, was director of the state Department of Museums, Library & Arts. Before that he was arts and culture manager for Reno.

He also worked as a lobbyist with his father, Fred Hillerby.