Scherer goes to gaming control, Batjer named to replace him

Gov. Kenny Guinn's chief of staff will become a member of the Nevada Gaming Control Board on Jan. 1.

Scott Scherer will be replaced by Marybel Batjer on the governor's staff on Dec. 1. Scherer will stay through the month to assist her with the transition.

Scherer began as Guinn's legal counsel when the governor took office in January 1999 and became chief of staff when Pete Ernaut left to join the Ensign for Senate campaign.

Scherer previously served as a deputy attorney general, including as counsel to the Gaming Control Board, and two terms in the Nevada Assembly. He was also a member of the state Commission on Ethics.

The gaming control position was vacated when Steve DuCharme announced his retirement as chairman of the three member panel last week. Guinn spokesman Jack Finn said for the time being, Scherer has been named a member of Gaming Control. He said Guinn has not yet decided who will chair that panel, which operates Nevada's gaming regulatory system.

A member of the board receives about $98,000 a year. The chairman is paid about $105,000.

Batjer has served on the staff of the National Security Council as a special assistant during President Ronald Reagan's administration. She was also an undersecretary for the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency and a Chief Deputy Director for the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.

Recently, she worked as an executive for Mirage Resorts in Las Vegas. She is a native Nevadan, daughter of former Nevada Supreme Court Justice Cameron Batjer.

"Marybel's extensive experience and talent make her an ideal choice for Chief of Staff," said Guinn.

The chief of staff position pays $102,000 a year.