ST. PAUL, MN - Today, Governor Mark Dayton announced that beginning Tuesday, February 11, Jaime Tincher will serve as his new Chief of Staff. Tincher, who currently serves as Governor Dayton's Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs, will replace outgoing Chief of Staff Tina Flint Smith, who today announced her plans to run for Lieutenant Governor. Smith's last day in the Governor's Office will be Monday, February 10.

"Like her predecessor, Jaime Tincher will be an outstanding Chief of Staff," said Governor Dayton. "She is extremely dedicated, principled, and hard-working. She knows the people, policies, and processes of Minnesota government. I have complete confidence in her, as does everyone else in our office."

As Deputy Chief of Staff, Jaime Tincher was instrumental in helping Governor Dayton fairly and honestly balance the state's budget, while strengthening the middle class through key investments job growth, economic development, and education. Prior to her service in the Governor's Office, Tincher served as Director of Caucus and Legislative Services for the Minnesota House of Representatives DFL Caucus. She is a veteran of numerous statewide, legislative, and local campaigns, and is widely regarded as a smart and effective consensus builder. Tincher is a graduate of Denison University in Granville, Ohio.

"I am honored to take on this new role, and excited to help Governor Dayton continue the work of building a Better Minnesota," said Tincher. "The Governor is focused now on continuing Minnesota's strong economic growth, strengthening the middle class, and building on the progress we have made to improve our education system and reform state government. I look forward to helping the Governor and his administration achieve those important objectives, and in doing so improve the lives of Minnesotans."