Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty announced today that Chris DeLaForest, Director of Legislative and Cabinet Affairs, will be leaving the Governor’s Office effective Friday, November 5th.

“Chris has been a trusted advisor, respected for his integrity, leadership, and knowledge of the legislative process,” Governor Pawlenty said. “The state has faced many difficult issues during his tenure and I could always count on him to work with the legislature to get the job done.”

DeLaForest, 41, joined Governor Pawlenty’s office in June 2009, leaving DeLaForest Consulting, a governmental affairs firm he formed after retiring from the Minnesota legislature. DeLaForest served three terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

“Working for Governor Pawlenty has been a distinct privilege and has provided me with another unique public service opportunity. Through military, legislative, and executive branch service, I have proudly served my state and my country. This has been an incredibly rewarding experience but now is the right time to reconnect with my family and focus on the next chapter in my professional life.”

Governor Pawlenty also announced that Brian LeClair will be promoted to Director of Legislative and Cabinet Affairs effective Monday, October 25th. LeClair has worked in the Governor’s office for over a year and was previously a senior policy advisor.