(Carson City, NV) – Governor Jim Gibbons today announced the promotion of Jodi Stephens to Legislative Director, charging her with all gubernatorial initiatives during the 2009 Legislative Session.

Stephens has served the Governor as his rural director since he took office and worked in the Governor’s Congressional office for four years. During the 2007 Legislative Session, Stephens served as the primary negotiator on the school Empowerment legislation that the Governor signed into law nearly a year ago.

“Jodi is a tremendous asset to my staff,” the Governor said. “She is extremely well-versed on the core issues affecting Nevada. She was successful as the steward of my primary education initiative during the last Legislative session, and I’m confident she’ll do well next year, too.”

Stephens was born and raised in Hawthorne and graduated from Mineral County High School. She then attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a professional degree in secondary education and a bachelor’s degree in political science. Stephens began working for Congressman Gibbons in 2002.

“I’m truly honored to be entrusted with such an important role in the Governor’s administration,” Stephens said. “I will be working diligently to forward the Governor’s agenda and reach a consensus with lawmakers on some of the most important issues facing Nevada today.”

Stephens’ promotion is effective May 1, 2008.