Carson City, NV —  Gov. Jim Gibbons announced today that he has appointed Ben Kieckhefer as his new press secretary.

Kieckhefer spent several years as a government reporter and then moved into public relations, issue advocacy and government affairs.  Kieckhefer worked for the Associated Press covering the 2003 Nevada Legislature, as well as the Reno Gazette-Journal covering Reno City Hall and Copley News Service covering the 2001 Illinois Legislature.

“I’m pleased to announce this appointment, which will help my administration communicate more effectively with the media and the people of Nevada,” Gibbons said. “Kieckhefer’s experience as a reporter covering the Nevada State Legislature will be invaluable to his service in my office.”

“I’m excited and honored to be joining Governor Gibbons’ staff,” Kieckhefer said. “I believe it is essential that the people understand the actions of its government. In my position as press secretary, I hope to strengthen that understanding by fostering strong communication between the governor’s office and the media.”

Kieckhefer has most recently worked for Innerwest Advertising & Public Relations and IW Strategies in Reno.

He will begin his service to the State of Nevada on Thursday, March 20.