OLYMPIA — Jay Manning, who has served as Gov. Chris Gregoire’s chief of staff during the grueling budget cuts of the past two years, said Tuesday that he feels worn out by the job and will resign.
Manning said in an interview that he has a number of professional opportunities that he wants to pursue. He said he’s not departing because of Gregoire’s decision to leave at the end of her second term but because he doesn’t feel he has the energy needed to fully handle the job for the remainder of Gregoire’s term.
“This is a hard job under any circumstances,” Manning said.
He was hired in October 2009 after serving as director of the Department of Ecology. His last day will be July 16.
Gregoire said Manning’s ability to provide calm during times of stress will be greatly missed. She called him a trusted adviser, a committed public servant and a wonderful friend.
“Not only did he help lead my staff during the worst economic times in recent history, he handled day-to-day issues that require focus and dedication with a constant display of professionalism,” Gregoire said.
Manning said in an email to co-workers that he’s never had more respect for Gregoire.
“We, and the citizens of the state, are lucky to have her as our governor,” he wrote.
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