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Former lieutenant governor and lawmaker Dick Posthumus will serve as Gov. Rick Snyder's new chief of staff, the Governor announced on Thursday.

(Courtesy photo)

LANSING, MI -- Gov. Rick Snyder on Thursday chose former lieutenant governor and longtime advisor Dick Posthumus as his chief of staff.

"Dick is an unwavering public servant whose positive attitude and commitment to teamwork and the reinvention of Michigan have already helped steer Michigan's comeback over the past six years," Snyder said. "There are few people in this state who can compare to Dick Posthumus when it comes to having a depth of knowledge about state government and how it should be serving the people of Michigan."

Posthumus first got involved with the Gov. Rick Snyder administration by sending Snyder an email with some sage words in 2010. Snyder persuaded the former lawmaker and Lieutenant Governor to come out of retirement and join his team.

Posthumus has served as Snyder's senior advisor since the governor took office in 2011.

The chief of staff vacancy was created when Jarrod Agen, who held the position previously, left to accept a position with Vice President Mike Pence.

Posthumus in accepting the position and reiterated his respect for Snyder's accomplishments.

"What Gov. Snyder has accomplished is incredible, especially when you consider how many things he has finished that were merely attempted or just talked about for decades," Posthumus said in a press release.

"I'm honored that he asked me to help lead a great team that has helped Michigan's comeback take shape and is now working on a strong future for our state and our people."

House Speaker Tom Leonard, R-DeWitt, praised the decision.

"Dick Posthumus has been serving the people of our state for a long time, and his track record is as strong as they come. Dick Posthumus has always been a tremendous public servant and partner with the Legislature, and he will continue to be an incredible asset as the governor's new chief of staff," Leonard said in a statement.

In one other change within Snyder's office, Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs Darin Ackerman was promoted to director of legislative affairs.