(Carson City, NV) – Governor Jim Gibbons today announced the appointment of Christopher G. Nielsen as his new General Counsel.

Nielsen is currently the deputy executive director of the Nevada Department of Taxation where he oversees the compliance division, including the administration of tax law and policies. Among his other responsibilities, Nielsen monitors department legislation and regulations, represents the department before the Nevada Legislature and manages taxpayer appeals to the Nevada Tax Commission.

“I’m excited Chris has decided to join my team,” Gibbons said. “He has an in depth knowledge of state law that will help him tackle the wide variety of issues the governor’s office is involved with. I’m confident he will be a tremendous asset as we move into the 2009 Legislative Session.”

Prior to joining the Department of Taxation in 2007, Nielsen served as a Senior Deputy Attorney General in the Nevada Attorney General’s office where he represented the Secretary of State with respect to elections and commercial recordings. He also represented the Department of Taxation with numerous administrative appeals, including before the Nevada Supreme Court.

“I appreciate the opportunity Governor Gibbons has given me,” Nielsen said. “It is a great honor, and I look forward to continuing to serve the state, and the administration, in my new role as General Counsel.”

Nielsen graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a B.S. in biology and he received his law degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.

Nielsen will begin his new position in the Governor’s office on Monday, Aug. 11. He is assuming the position vacated by Josh Hicks, who was recently promoted to Chief of Staff.