Friday, June 19, 2009

Rick Perry hires HNTB lobbyist as chief of staff

Perry hires Ray Sullivan as chief of staff

hntb revolving door

Related Link: HNTB is lead consultant for Trans-Texas Corridor

6/19/09

By Jason Embry
Austin American-Statesman
Copyright 2009

Gov. Rick Perry announced this afternoon that he’s hired lobbyist Ray Sullivan as his chief of staff, replacing Jay Kimbrough, who will stay with Perry as a senior adviser.

Sullivan has worked on previous Perry campaigns. He has also been a lobbyist. His clients this year have included Banc Pass Inc., Compass Environmental Inc., Exelon Power Texas, Global Options Inc., HNTB Corp., Redflex Traffic Systems Inc. and Silver Eagle Distributors.

Sullivan has a more political background than Kimbrough, so it makes sense that Perry would bring him in as he shifts his focus fully to his re-election campaign. Kimbrough was brought in last year to provide a tough hand at the top of Perry’s organization and guide the staff through the legislative session. Sullivan has been part of a group of former aides that remain in close touch with the governor’s staff — a group that also includes Deirdre Delisi, Eric Bearse and Robert Black.

“I am pleased to have a man of Ray’s insight, experience and integrity rejoining my staff,” Perry said of Sullivan.

The governor also praised his outgoing chief of staff, saying, “This session’s achievements are a real tribute to the leadership of Jay Kimbrough.”

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