Whitmer announces departure of Michigan Chief of Staff JoAnne Huls
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced July 17, 2026, that her chief of staff, JoAnne Huls, will depart the Michigan governor’s office.
The announcement establishes a leadership transition in Whitmer’s executive office, which is based in Lansing. It identifies Zack Pohl as principal deputy chief of staff during Whitmer’s second term and describes the divisions he has overseen.
However, the available announcement does not specify when Huls’ departure will take effect. It also does not state that Pohl was formally appointed chief of staff or identify another permanent successor.
Executive-office responsibilities outlined
According to the governor’s office, Pohl has overseen the communications, federal affairs, legislative affairs, policy and scheduling divisions. Those responsibilities place him across several of the functions named in the announcement as the office manages the transition.
The release does not describe a new title, additional duties or a formal succession timetable for Pohl. It therefore remains unclear from the available information whether he will become chief of staff or serve in another transition role.
The announcement also does not provide a date for a future personnel announcement. No deadline for naming a permanent chief of staff was included.
Huls joined the office in 2022
Huls joined Whitmer’s executive office in 2022, the governor’s office said. Before joining the administration, she had worked on Whitmer’s reelection campaign.
The July 17 announcement did not state why Huls is leaving. It did not provide terms of her departure or describe what position, if any, she will take next.
That limited information is significant in reporting the change: the confirmed development is Huls’ departure and the office’s description of Pohl’s existing principal-deputy role. Details beyond those points, including the effective transition date and permanent leadership arrangement, were not provided in the announcement.
Why the transition matters
The change affects the leadership structure of the governor’s office during the 2026 election cycle and state-government policy negotiations. The office’s description of Pohl’s portfolio includes legislative affairs and policy, along with federal affairs, communications and scheduling.
Those divisions are specifically identified in the announcement, but the release does not say how their work will be reorganized after Huls’ departure. It also does not identify changes to their leadership or operations.
For now, the governor’s office has confirmed Huls’ planned departure and identified Pohl’s current role and responsibilities. The next known public step has not been announced: the available release sets no effective date for Huls’ exit and names no permanent successor.
Sources
- Governor Whitmer Bids Farewell to Chief of Staff JoAnne Huls, Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer