Mike Pence: Nick Ayers, Trusted Adviser, to Be Chief of Staff

Vice President Mike Pence intends to name Nick Ayers, one of his most trusted past advisers and strategists, as his new chief of staff.

His current top aide, Josh Pitcock, is set to depart from the White House by the end of the month, and to be replaced by Ayers, a veteran political operative from Georgia, noted The New York Times.

The move comes at a time when Pence I still developing his portfolio at the Trump White House.

Pence relied heavily on Ayers, and other aides, during his gubernatorial re-election campaign and talked about wanting to return to a system that reflected what was in place during that campaign.

USA Today quoted Pence, who said he had come to appreciate Ayers’ friendship, keen intellect and integrity.

"I couldn’t be more excited to have him come to the White House,” he said.

Pitcock’s decision to leave his post was reportedly voluntary.

He had worked on Pence’s team for more than 12 years and had served in his Washington office, when Pence was governor of Indiana, reported The Hill.

Speaking about the decision to leave, Pitcock said it was not an easy one but he believed the time was right to transition into the private sector.

In a statement, he added that he would continue to work with Pence through the transition.

Until earlier this week, Ayers had been considering his own political future and was a prospective contender for governor of Georgia.

He told reporters his decision to leave Georgia was due to the fact that he firmly believed in Pence, and Trump’s policies.

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