Gregory

Gregory Patterson, the public voice of Gov. Ruth Ann Minner's administration and one of the governor's longest-serving lieutenants, said Tuesday he is leaving the governor's office July 15 to become an adviser to Insurance Commissioner Matt Denn.

Patterson, 33, has served as Minner's communications director since her election in 2000, taking a break to run the governor's 2004 campaign last fall. He said he was leaving to spend more time with his family.

Patterson said he told Minner he was planning to leave on June 30, but did not make the announcement public until Tuesday. He joined Minner's staff in 1997 while she was serving as lieutenant governor.

"The governor was very understanding. She knows what it's like to have a second child on the way and knows how demanding this job can be," Patterson said. "I am very grateful to her for all the opportunities she's extended to me."

Patterson will work with Denn on legislative and regulatory policy and on helping the office's public outreach efforts through publications and the department's Web site. Patterson said the move will take his salary from about $86,000 to about $80,000.

"Next to the governor's office itself, the insurance commissioner's office probably has the most impact on the everyday lives of Delawareans," Patterson said. "You may never need the attorney general, the treas-urer or the auditor, but everyone in Delaware has to have insurance for their cars, homes or businesses."

Minner was taking an extended Fourth of July holiday and could not be reached on Tuesday.

Denn, Minner's former chief counsel, said he's glad to have Patterson on his staff. Denn also said people shouldn't read a political agenda into the move.

"I have no plans to run for anything in 2006," said Denn, who was elected to his first term as commissioner last year. "We've got some issues where we want to reach out, build consensus and hopefully get some action and Greg has the kinds of skills to help get that job done."

Robert Byrd, a top lobbyist and longtime friend of the governor, said the move is notable given Patterson's high profile and also because Minner has retained a core of long-term Cabinet secretaries.

"She's probably had more stability in her Cabinet than most governors," Byrd said. "For Greg, it's a good opportunity to stay in the public sector in Dover with prospects beyond 2008."

Mark Brainard, Minner's chief of staff, said Kate Bailey, currently the deputy communications director, has been named to succeed Patterson. Bailey, a former News Journal reporter, filled in for Patterson during the 2004 campaign.

"Anytime you have this kind of a loss on your staff, there is a time of transition," Brainard said. "We are fortunate because we are able to promote from within and bring in someone who has experience doing the job."

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