SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Governor-elect Brian Sandoval today announced the selection of his chief of staff and a senior advisor as well as the appointment of the director of the Department of Administration. Former Assemblywoman Heidi Gansert has been named chief of staff for the governor, and Dale Erquiaga, a former Clark County School District official, has been named senior advisor to the governor.
“I am honored that both Heidi and Dale have agreed to join my staff full time,” Sandoval said. “Each brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to their job. The state of Nevada and I are lucky to have them.”
Gansert is the former minority leader of the State Assembly. She has a master’s in business administration from the University of Nevada, Reno and a bachelor of science in engineering from Santa Clara University. As chief of staff, Gansert will be responsible for the governor’s overall administration, with emphasis on the budget.
Erquiaga, the former director of government affairs with CCSD, has also served Nevada as deputy secretary of state and as a cabinet member in Governor Kenny Guinn’s administration. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Nevada, Reno and a master’s degree in leadership from Grand Canyon University. As senior advisor to the governor, Erquiaga will be responsible for communications and education policy.
Sandoval also reappointed Andrew Clinger to serve as director of the Department of Administration and budget director.
“Andrew’s integral knowledge of the state budget will be invaluable as we look to balance the budget without raising taxes,” Sandoval added. “I am pleased that Andrew has agreed to serve in my administration.”
Currently, Clinger is director of the Department of Administration and also serves as the state budget director, a position he has held since December 2005. Clinger holds a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Nevada, Reno and has worked in state government since September 1997.
