Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today that his spokesman Brian McClung will be leaving the Governor’s Office effective Friday, June 18.

McClung is forming McClung Communications & Public Relations, LLC, and will direct MN Forward, an independent expenditure political fund supported by Minnesota job providers.

“Brian is best known as the public voice of our office, but he has been much more,” Governor Pawlenty said. “He’s been one of my closest advisors during both terms and I greatly value his insights, loyalty and expertise. Brian is an integral part of our team and I know he will continue to have great success.”

McClung, 37, joined Governor Pawlenty’s office nearly six years ago, first in the role of Press Secretary. He was promoted to Director of Communications in 2005 and to Deputy Chief of Staff in 2009.

“Working for Governor Pawlenty has been a great honor and the experience of a lifetime,” McClung said. “Minnesota is a wonderful state and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to do my small part working in this office to make it even better.”

Governor Pawlenty also announced that Bruce Gordon will be promoted to Director of Communications effective Monday, June 21 and will serve as the Governor’s primary spokesman. Gordon has worked in the Governor’s Office for nearly five years and was previously Director of Communications at the Minnesota Department of Commerce.