Gov. Lamont Spokesman Max Reiss Leaving Administration

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont's Communication Director Max Reiss announced he will step down from his position in order to pursue a new job in the private sector.

Reiss became Lamont's top spokesman in July 2019. He orchestrated Lamont's daily and then weekly news conferences during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reiss served as NBC Connecticut's chief political correspondent prior to joining Lamont's administration. He will officially step down on Aug. 5.

“Since the day I moved to Connecticut, I fell in love with this state,” Reiss said in a statement. “I love its people, parks, cities, towns, and everything in between. My time in state government has been rewarding in significant ways, and I have been blown away by the impressive work of our agencies and state employees who work on behalf of our residents each day."

Lamont called Reiss a close friend and collaborator.

“Max has been an enormous benefit to our administration, and I am grateful for his counsel over these last three years,” he said in a statement. “Particularly when it came to the state’s response and communications regarding the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Max has been a passionate guiding force and a committed public servant."

Lamont Chief of Staff Paul Mounds Jr. said Reiss was devoted to carrying out Lamont's vision for a stronger Connecticut.

“These positions require a large amount of time and energy, and Max has always been ready and eager to do what he can to help the governor and our state," Mounds said. "I am sad to see him leave state government, but I appreciate our time together and thank him for his service.”