LINCOLN – A notable member of Gov. Pete Ricketts' team is leaving government, according to a press release issued by the governor's office Friday. 

Taylor Gage, who served as an advisor to Ricketts prior to his election to office, and has most recently served as the governor's director of strategic communications, is stepping down from his current role, the press release stated. The departure was confirmed in a separate email from Gage shortly afterward.

Gage's transition is officially effective December 5, though Gage said that Friday would be his final day on the job.

"Thank you to Taylor for his eight years of service," Ricketts said in the press release. “Through floods and a pandemic, he has been at the center of our work to help keep Nebraska strong and to connect more people to my office.  His input has shaped our work through it all.  Taylor has been a valued advisor, and I look forward to what’s next for him.”

Gage, who is the grandson of former Nebraska governor Kay Orr, previously served as political director for Sen. Deb Fischer's 2012 campaign.

Ricketts was first elected to the governorship in 2014 and has served in office since January of 2015. Due to term limits, he is not permitted to run in 2022 and his term is set to expire in January of 2023.

Roughly 30 minutes after Ricketts' office made the announcement, the Nebraska Republican Party announced that it had named Gage its new executive director.

 "Taylor brings a wealth of experience and relationships to grow the part and elect more Republicans," said Chairman Dan Welch.

Gage officially starts his new position on December 6.