Knowles chief of staff leaving office

by The Associated Press

Gov. Tony Knowles’ longtime chief of staff Jim Ayers is leaving state government to head a regional office for a new environmental group.

Ayers will resign effective Jan. 4 to become the North Pacific regional director for Oceana, a non-profit ocean conservation group based in Washington, D.C. He will remain in Juneau to coordinate the group’s efforts in Alaska, Washington state and Oregon.

Ayers has served as the Democrat governor’s chief of staff since December 1994. He leaves as Knowles enters the last year of his second term. State law bars Knowles from seeking a third term.

“For seven years, the longest tenure of any chief of staff that I’m aware of, Jim Ayers has been at the forefront of every major issue that we have tackled,” Knowles said.

Oceana’s President Steve Roady said Ayers will play a key role in the group’s advocacy of ocean conservation. The international organization also plans to open regional branches in Europe and South America.

“Alaska plays a vital role in ocean conservation ... We are delighted and honored to have Jim join us as our first regional director,” Roady said.

Knowles called his chief of staff a “good friend and an effective coach” within the administration.

While serving as chief of staff, Ayers said he was proud of what the administration has accomplished in regard to children’s issues such as Denali KidCare and Smart Start.

He cited the administration’s push to get the federal government to lift a ban on oil importation and safety and environmental improvements within the Alyeska Pipeline Service Co.

Ayers said he has no plans to return to politics. Knowles plans to name a successor before Ayers leaves, said Knowles spokesman Bob King.

Two possible candidates are Deputy Chief of Staff David Ramseur and Budget Director Annalee McConnell, King said.