LAS VEGAS - In the midst of a special session to fix Nevada's budget crisis, Gov. Jim Gibbons has announced a number of "staff changes" in his office.  Among the changes are the departure of chief of staff Michael Dayton and the reassignment of chief operating officer Diane Cornwall to direct the Department of Business and Industry.

General Counsel Josh Hicks will replace Dayton as chief of staff and current Business and Industry Director Mendy Elliott will replace Cornwall.

Despite the series of scandals that has beset Gibbons and his low public approval ratings, the governor argued that the changes in personnel were nothing abnormal.

"Working for the Governor of any state is a high-stress job that requires just about everything a person has to give," said Gibbons. "I fully respect the demands this type of work puts on people, which is why turnover is a normal part of any administration."

Other changes Gibbons announced included promoting press secretary Ben Kieckhefer to communications director and the departure of Nick Vander Poel who had directed Boards and Commissions.  Vander Poel's departure had been rumored for days.