Gov. Nathan Deal announced the departure of Ryan Teague, longtime aide and the executive counsel to the governor. Beginning in January, Teague will enter the private sector and join his family’s business.

“For the past six years, Ryan has been an invaluable asset and a reliable member of my administration,” said Deal. “The role of legal counsel is critical in the governor’s office and I am grateful for his many contributions. During Ryan’s tenure, he helped craft and implement groundbreaking criminal justice reform legislation, spearheaded Georgia’s fight to protect our state’s water, and streamlined and modernized our court system. Ryan’s efforts helped move our state forward in a variety of ways while advancing the lives of Georgians. He will be greatly missed and I wish him well in his new venture.”
 
Deal tapped David Werner, Chief Operating Officer of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, as Teague’s replacement. Werner will assume this position in January 2017.
 
“David Werner has served the Deal administration in a variety of capacities over the past six years, including on the 2010 and 2014 campaigns as well as in the governor’s official office. Rising from policy adviser to deputy executive counsel to Chief Operating Officer of the state, David has tackled each role with dedication, hard work and expertise,” said Chief of Staff Chris Riley. “David has the necessary skillset, institutional knowledge and executive experience to serve as counsel. He has the complete confidence of the governor and is a natural fit for the job.”