Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced Wednesday Tuckerman Babcock will be moved from his role as the chief of staff, replaced by former state Sen. Ben Stevens.
Babcock, who has served as the governor’s chief of staff since Decemeber, will now assume the role of senior policy advisor for strategic affairs, a release from the governor’s office said.
“It’s been a privilege to have Tuckerman Babcock serve as my Chief of Staff, and I’m grateful for his continued service and commitment to the State of Alaska,” Dunleavy said in the release. “I’m confident that both Ben and Tuckerman’s leadership will continue to help us carry out this administration’s goals and agenda.”
In the release, Babcock said he’s excited to serve in his new role.
“This is a move I requested of the Governor; which allows me to concentrate on the areas I can best serve the Governor’s agenda,” Babcock said in the release. “This will be a smooth internal transition. I have enjoyed working with Ben these past eight months and know he is more than qualified to serve as Chief of Staff to Governor Dunleavy.”
In August 2001, Stevens was appointed by Gov. Tony Knowles to the Alaska State Senate, where he went on to serve as the Alaska Senate Majority Leader and later Senate President.
“I’m honored that the Governor would ask me to serve as his Chief of Staff.” Stevens said in the release. “I appreciate the leadership Tuckerman has shown since the transition and I look forward to continue working with him as we move the Governor’s agenda forward.”
The staff changes were announced Wednesday during a meeting of the governor’s cabinet and staff. A staff transition will begin immediately and take place over the next week.
