Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant will start second term with new chief of staff

Gov. Phil Bryant will have a new chief of staff when he officially starts his second term next week.

Joey Songy will succeed Lucien Smith, who has served as Gov. Bryant’s chief of staff since 2013 and Monday announced his intention to return to his private law practice at the end of the first term.

“Lucien has been an invaluable part of my administration, and though his departure is a great loss, I am grateful for his service,” Bryant said in a release announcing the change. “His dedication to his home state has been evident as he worked faithfully every day and many nights to improve Mississippi."

Songy will succeed Smith as chief of staff on Jan. 13, the day after Gov. Bryant is sworn in for a second term. Songy has held the positions of policy adviser, counsel, and most recently, policy director in Gov. Bryant’s administration. While policy adviser, his portfolio included economic development, public finance, revenue, workforce and technology. Prior to joining Gov. Bryant’s administration, Songy practiced law in the private sector.

This story was originally published January 4, 2016 at 3:38 PM.