Lombardo Taps Sen. Ben Kieckhefer To Be Chief of Staff

Nov. 29, 2022

Rob Lauer Political Reporter

People are policy and today Governor-Elect Lombardo sent a clear message in choosing his Chief of Staff. Lombardo’s focus is on Parental School Choice.

Nevada Governor-elect Joe Lombardo announced former Nevada State Senator Ben Kieckhefer as his incoming Chief of Staff.

Governor-elect Joe Lombardo said

“I’m delighted to announce Ben Kieckhefer as my incoming Chief of Staff today. Ben has dedicated his life and career to the service of Nevadans, and there is no one more qualified or better prepared for this role. I know that Ben’s exceptional leadership, unmatched integrity, and extensive legislative experience will be an important part of our success in Carson City.”

Kieckhefer served as a member of the Nevada State Senate for three consecutive terms representing District 16. Kieckhefer first took office in 2011 and went on to serve in several leadership positions, including as Assistant Minority Floor Leader (2017-2018, 2013-2014) and as Assistant Majority Floor Leader (2015-2016). 

Incoming Chief of Staff Ben Kieckhefer said

“I’m honored to join Governor-elect Lombardo’s administration. I’m humbled by Governor-elect Lombardo’s trust in me, and I’m excited to have another opportunity to serve Nevada, a state I love so deeply. Under Governor-elect Lombardo, I’m confident that this administration will deliver innovative solutions and historic victories for our great state.”

As a state senator, Kieckhefer championed efforts to increase parental choice in education and fought for spending controls on state government. Following his tenure in the Nevada State Senate, Kieckhefer was appointed to serve on the Nevada Gaming Commission in October 2021. In addition to serving on the commission, Kieckhefer currently serves as the Director of Client Relations for Nevada law firm McDonald Carano. Kieckhefer will resign from the Nevada Gaming Commission once Governor-elect Lombardo is sworn into office in January.