Gibbons’ chief of staff resigning for ‘new opportunities’

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 | 5:15 p.m.

Archive of Sun politics stories

CARSON CITY – Josh Hicks, chief of staff to Gov. Jim Gibbons during some of the toughest periods of his administration, is resigning.

Hicks, 36, said it was great to serve Gibbons during some “unique and exciting times.” He said he had no regrets going through the tough legislative session, during which Democrats took aim at Gibbons and his proposed budget.

Hicks has been the governor’s chief of staff for the past year. Before that he was deputy chief of staff and legal counsel to the governor. He served in the governor’s office for 2 1/2 years.

He said it was time to move on and seek new opportunities. He said he wants to spend more time with his family and his 14-month-old daughter.

In his letter of resignation addressed to Gibbons, Hicks said “It has been a tremendous honor to serve your administration as general counsel, deputy chief of staff and chief of staff” and he added “I think the time is right for me to seek out new opportunities.”

Mendy Elliott, deputy chief of staff, will be acting chief of staff after Hicks’ last day, next Friday.

He said he will begin his job search after the summer.

Before joining Gibbons’ staff, Hicks worked five years in the state Attorney General’s Office.

Discussion: 8 comments so far…

By didactic

6/16/09 at 7:28 p.m.

Suggest removal

Hicks has to start immediately to get this embarassing albatross of job off his resume.

At least, if the Governor follows his past practice, whoever is next in line for the rotating Chief of Staff position can count on a substantial raise over what Hicks made.

Any takers to join the Titanic mid-voyage?
By DouglasDemocrat

6/16/09 at 9:11 p.m.

Suggest removal

"Spend more time with the family" = "Which way to the lifeboats?"
By NoNevJim

6/16/09 at 9:35 p.m.

Suggest removal

After months of fielding embarrasing questions regarding his boss, Josh can relax, kick back on the beach at Glenbrook and ponder his career options while hanging out at Daddy's posh Lake Tahoe cabin. Ah, to be brought up with a silver spoon in your mouth....... Here's a thought Josh... Try being a regular guy like a NHP Trooper or NDOT worker or a prison guard and get your hands dirty. And see what it's like being one of those state workers you chumps tried your darndest to screw over this past year. Naw, better not wait. Daddy's got a spot for you at his law firm.
By mywallet700

6/17/09 at 8:40 a.m.

Suggest removal

NoNevJim... you are a first-class jackass. Speak little of that which you know little.
By afveteran

6/17/09 at 11:14 a.m.

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Josh must have asked to be born into an upper class, socially and economically, and must have reserved his seat in his law school before he was born?
By LV4LIFE

6/18/09 at 1:23 p.m.

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I disagree with your comment on NoNevJim, mywallet700. I am thinking he is right on the money. Gibbons has screwed state employees six ways to sunday. Luckly the legislature stopped him on the six percent pay cut issue. Now state workers must take eight hours off without pay every month. Which comes to about 4.6 percent pay decrese. They still have their jobs but this will not resolve Nevadas budget crisis or even make a dent in it. I would do a jack knife off Gibbon's sinking ship to if I were Hicks! Worst gov. ever!
By lvsun123

6/18/09 at 1:29 p.m.

Suggest removal

So true NoNevJim! Life is not easy for the regualr guy! Must be nice to have such options!