CHEYENNE – In a press release, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon announced his chief of staff was retiring, named his new chief of staff and announced inauguration details.

Gordon’s Director of Communications Michael Pearlman wrote, “Current Chief of Staff Buck McVeigh is announcing that he will retire at the end of the year.”

Gordon named Drew Perkins as his new chief of staff following the retirement announcement.

Gordon wrote, “I will never be able to thank Buck adequately for his extraordinary service to the state and her citizens.”

Adding, “Long before he joined my office or served as chief of staff, Buck had a distinguished career with Wyoming, which gave him invaluable insight into and knowledge of our state.”

“It has been an honor to serve with Buck and a treasure to enjoy his friendship,” Gordon continued.

McVeigh served as the governor’s policy director before becoming chief of staff in June 2019. His 36-year career with Wyoming began in 1980 at the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and included positions in the Department of Administration and Information; the Wyoming Auditor’s Office; the Wyoming Public Service Commission; and the governor’s office.

McVeigh was a longtime-member and 14-year executive branch co-chairman of the state’s Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CREG). He also served as executive director of the Wyoming Taxpayers Association for five years.

“Having been given the opportunity to serve as Governor Gordon’s Chief was truly the honor of a lifetime for me. It is with a heavy heart that I leave this fine man’s side,” McVeigh said.

McVeigh noted the chief of staff’s position was inarguably the most difficult of all the positions he held during his career.

“There are truly no words to describe it. A 24-7-365 job with endless days. We made it through some awfully difficult times over these last four years. And, I say with all honesty, I couldn’t have done it without the incredible staff and cabinet that we have. What an awesome team!” McVeigh commented.

McVeigh will finish the year as chief of staff.

Now-former Wyoming Senator Drew Perkins, R-Natrona, was named as the new chief of staff after he announced his resignation on November 10.

“I am honored and humbled to be asked to try and fill Buck McVeigh’s shoes as the governor’s chief of staff. That will be a tall order,” Perkins said. “I have enjoyed working with Governor Gordon since he served as treasurer. I respect him immensely and consider him a good friend. I am excited to assist the governor and his team as he starts his second term, and to have the opportunity to work full-time in continuing to serve Wyoming and her people.”

Perkins has represented District 29 in the Wyoming Senate since 2007, serving as Senate President, vice president and chair of the Joint Appropriations Committee.

“Drew and I have enjoyed a longstanding respect and friendship going back to my time as treasurer,” the Governor said. “Throughout that time, I have found his advice to be correct and valuable. From the passage of Amendment A to more recent budgets, Drew has been a trusted source of wisdom and perspective. I eagerly look forward to working with him.”

In a separate press release, Pearlman released details of Wyoming’s Inauguration Committee for 2023, where five newly-elected state officials will be sworn into office.

Governor Mark and First Lady Jennie Gordon announced Annemarie and Dave Picard as co-chairs of the Wyoming Inauguration Committee for 2023.

“Jennie and I appreciate Dave and Annmarie’s willingness to once again step up to organize the Inaugural activities,” Gordon said. “Jennie and I are so grateful for the support of Wyoming’s people, both at the polls and during the past four years. We look forward to thanking our friends, family and supporters as we continue our work and move Wyoming forward.”

The public is invited to participate in numerous activities on January 2, 2023 including a prayer service, swearing in ceremony of the five statewide elected officials, a public reception and the Inaugural Gala.

For more information and a complete schedule, please visit www.wyo2023.com or contact the Inauguration Office at 307-369-2725.