May 17, 2006- Laurence E. Bryan, former Government Employees Retirement System administrator, has been hired as executive director of the 26th Legislature.
James Francis, Senate President Lorraine Berry's chief of staff, confirmed Wednesday afternoon reports that Bryan had been hired for the post. He will start Monday.
Francis said Berry had no formal comment on Bryan's hiring.
Simon Caines, who had been executive director since 2003, abruptly resigned his position May 9.
Caines, the only director who has held the post through two legislatures, was arguably the youngest director as well. He was hired by David Jones, president of the 25th Legislature.
When asked about his departure, Caines declined comment Wednesday, saying he had resigned for "personal reasons."
Bryan also was reluctant to comment at any length. However, he did say, "It's definitely a challenge. I'm looking forward to helping assume the management of the Legislature."
GERS directors suddenly fired Bryan from his GERS post on Nov. 5, 2004. Board members would only say that they wanted a change in direction for the government's pension system. The termination provoked a large protest from GERS employees who were outraged at the board's action. A short time later most of the staff at the St. Thomas office walked off the job to protest the way the dismissal was handled (See "GERS Board Fires Bryan; Employees Protest").
Bryan said Wednesday that he is getting ready to report Monday. "I'm wrapping up my affairs," he said. "Since I retired, I've been spending time with my family and taking care of my own business."
