Governor Appoints Eric Eikenberg as Chief of Staff

This morning a member of this firm attended a press conference by Governor Charlie Crist who announced that Erik Eikenberg will be promoted to Chief of Staff beginning in 2008. 

Eikenberg is currently a Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor and formerly Chief of Staff to Congressman E. Clay Shaw. 

Governor Crist’s current Chief of Staff, George Lemieux will be leaving to join the private sector.

The Governor’s press release on the appointment is below.

Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact this office.

 

Governor Charlie Crist Announces New Chief of Staff

Eric Eikenberg to take new leadership role in administration in 2008 
 
TALLAHASSEE — Governor Charlie Crist today announced Eric Eikenberg will take over as Chief of Staff early next year. Eikenberg currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor.
 
“Eric’s past experience as a Chief of Staff combined with his experience this year on the important issues of climate change and energy, growth management and Everglades restoration have prepared him well to lead our office,” Governor Crist said. “He has shown tremendous leadership, and I am confident he will serve the people of Florida well.”
 
Eikenberg, 31, currently oversees a portfolio of Governor’s agencies vital to Florida’s growth that includes the Departments of Environmental Protection, Community Affairs and Transportation. He has championed such issues for the administration as climate change and energy, growth management and Everglades restoration.
 
“I am humbled by this new responsibility to serve Governor Crist and the people of Florida. Under the Governor’s leadership, I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead and working together to better the lives of those we serve,” Eikenberg said.  “I thank the Governor for his confidence and welcome the opportunity to work alongside the dedicated staff of the Executive Office of the Governor.”
 
Eikenberg previously served as Chief of Staff to former United States Congressman E. Clay Shaw Jr. and deputy executive director of the Republican Party of Florida. He is a graduate of The American University.
 
George LeMieux, current Chief of Staff to the Governor since January, will remain in his post through the end of the year for purposes of transition. LeMieux, 38, previously served as Executive Director of the Crist/Kottkamp Transition Team, Chief of Staff for the Charlie Crist for Governor campaign, and Deputy Attorney General and Chief of Staff to then Attorney General Charlie Crist.
 
“It has indeed been a pleasure to work closely with George during these past years, and I have come to rely on his guidance and his counsel,” Governor Crist said.  “He will be missed by all of us, and I wish him success as he pursues other opportunities.”
 
Before entering public service, LeMieux, served as Chairman of the Broward County Republican Party and was a shareholder with the law firm of Gunster, Yoakley & Stewart.
 
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Governor this past five years,” LeMieux said.  “I am grateful for the opportunity and for the trust and confidence the Governor has placed in me.”