Shepard Ceding Control

Published: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 12:03 PM PDT

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Geoff Patnoe, the chief of staff for county Supervisor Dianne Jacob, is leaving his current position to work for one of the city's leading political consultants, Tom Shepard.

Patnoe will become president of Shepard's lobbying firm, Public Policy Strategies, Inc., effective June 9. He'll take direct responsibility for management of the company, allowing Shepard more time to focus on his political consulting firm, Tom Shepard and Associates.

"I think he's very well-respected at the county for the role he's played at Supervisor Jacob's office," Shepard said of the decision to hire Patnoe and cede some control of his company.

"I think it's fair to point out that I'm getting old," he added.

Shepard will continue to function as a senior adviser to the lobbying firm, providing help on projects where he feels his help is needed.

"In terms of administration of the company, I'm going to be stepping back and he's going to be taking over more responsibility," he said.

Before joining Jacob's office five years ago, Patnoe worked as president of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association and as a communications aide to Gov. Pete Wilson.

-- SAM HODGSON