Juneau's Mike Nizich named top Palin aide

Gov. Sarah Palin on Wednesday appointed Juneau's Mike Nizich as her chief of staff, replacing Mike Tibbles, who resigned in May.

Nizich has been acting chief of staff, and had previously served as deputy chief of staff.

Nizich's appointment was welcomed by Juneau leaders, including former state legislator Clark Gruening.

"It's an excellent appointment the governor has made," he said. "Mike is a real competent and trusted staff person and chief of staff."

Nizich will continue to be based in Juneau, the administration said.

Palin called Nizich a "well-respected, proven leader with decades of institutional knowledge and a profound understanding of the public policy process."

Rep. Beth Kerttula, D-Juneau, praised Nizich's appointment as well.

"I was really hoping it would be him," she said.

"He really understands the workings of state government, and he's great to work with," she said.

Nizich, 56, came to Juneau in 1971 with the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1976, he went to work for Gov. Jay Hammond and later served in the administrations of Bill Sheffield, Tony Knowles and Frank Murkowski.

"It's a credit to the governor (to appoint him) and a credit to the community that we have someone of that stature and trust," Gruening said.

"It has been a privilege and a pleasure to be a part of state government," Nizich said in a press release from Palin's office.

"I look forward to meeting the challenges ahead in my new position," he said.