Muchmore Departing As Snyder Chief of Staff – Agen New Chief

On Tuesday, Governor Rick Snyder announced that Dennis Muchmore has decided to retire, and named Communications Director Jarrod Agen to replace Muchmore as chief of staff. Mr. Muchmore, who has been chief of staff since Snyder assumed office, is set to retire in January. Mr. Snyder said “Dennis Muchmore has guided this administration throughout our state’s dramatic comeback and his public service towards the betterment of Michigan is to be admired. Dennis’s counsel and leadership was a driving force in the reinvention of our state, the resurgence of Detroit, our dedication to environmental conservation, and our commitment to improving education. Dennis’s gift for creating sound public policy is remarkable and his mark on Michigan will last for decades.”

Mr. Agen, who was hired as Communications Director in 2014, does not have a long history as a state government employee. His past employment involves time with multiple Republican campaigns, federal agencies, and a technology firm. Ms. Wurfel added that the selection of Mr. Agen showcases Governor Snyder’s focus to surround him with diverse ideas.

Mr. Agen’s background is certainly much different from that of his predecessor, Mr. Muchmore. Mr. Muchmore rose to one of the state government’s most demanding jobs after spending years as a Lansing insider and a well-known lobbyist. While Mr. Muchmore will relinquish his position as chief of staff in January, he will continue to assist Mr. Snyder’s administration as a counselor and deal primarily with special projects in a part-time capacity.

At this point, a successor to Mr. Agen as communications director has not yet been selected and his salary as chief of staff is still being negotiated. Mr. Snyder will also be giving Beth Clement, Deputy Chief of Staff, the title of cabinet secretary, with which she will take on the responsibility of being Mr. Snyder’s chief liaison to his Cabinet.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, August 14, 2015 12:49 PM
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