After nearly 8 years, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that her chief of staff, JoAnne Huls, is leaving the role on July 31. She will continue to serve the administration as a senior adviser.
Effective August 1, Zack Pohl will be promoted from principal deputy chief of staff to chief of staff. Prior to serving as communications director for the executive office and the governor’s 2018 campaign, he worked for former U.S. Representative Mark Schauer and the Michigan Senate Democratic Caucus.
“For almost eight years, JoAnne has served the people of Michigan with strength, courage, and professionalism,” said Governor Whitmer. “She was by my side through it all, acting as an effective and decisive leader and helping us make historic progress to fix the damn roads, create jobs, and more. JoAnne is a dear friend, and I’m grateful she will continue to serve Michigan as my senior adviser. I’m excited to promote Zack Pohl to be my next chief of staff. He’s been on the team since my 2018 campaign, and he’s a clear strategic thinker who steps up every day for Michiganders. I’m looking forward to working with him as we run through the finish line. Let’s keep getting things done.”
Additional changes within the executive office were also announced, including:
- Maria Martinez was promoted from deputy chief of staff to chief deputy.
- Kara Cook was promoted from director of legislative affairs to deputy chief of staff.
- Emily Mellits was promoted from Director of the Office of Community Engagement to Director of External Affairs.
