Heidi Gansert resigns as Sandoval's chief of staff

Heidi Gansert has resigned as chief of staff to Gov. Brian Sandoval.

"I have decided this is the right time for me to step down as Gov. Sandoval's chief of staff," she said in a statement. "As most everyone who is involved in state government knows, the chief of staff position requires an extraordinary commitment and I have given it my all since helping lead the transition and from our first day in office."

But she said with the new budget cycle starting and preparation of the next legislative agenda, this is the right time for a new chief to step in.

"I am sorry to see Heidi leave my staff but the work she has done laid the foundation for our team's continued success," Sandoval said, praising her expertise in both budget and policy matters.

Gansert said she has told Sandoval she will be available to provide any assistance he and his staff need in the future.

No timeframe was given for her actual departure and no announcement was made of the governor's choice for his next chief of staff.