Gov. Patrick's Budget Chief To Resign

Gov. Deval Patrick's top budget chief, who has shepherded through sweeping changes in state fiscal policy during Patrick's first three years, is leaving for an administrative post at Harvard University.

Leslie Kirwan, the governor's administration and finance secretary, has accepted the position of dean for administration and finance for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University, the Patrick administration announced Friday.

“Leslie is a stand-out in her field and a dear friend," Gov. Patrick said in a statement Friday. "With the help of her intelligence, diligence and creativity, we have made tough but necessary budget choices, protected core services for the most vulnerable, and invested wisely in our economic future."

Jay Gonzalez, the undersecretary of administration and finance, will take over as administration and finance secretary, one of the most powerful posts in state government, on Oct. 12, the governor said.

“Jay has been with us since day one and is intimately familiar with the state’s finances,” Patrick said in the statement. "He is a tremendous talent with a deep understanding of our capital spending plan, landmark transportation reform law and our strategies for federal stimulus investment."

Patrick brought Kirwan back into state government as his first Cabinet appointment. She had served in the Weld administration during the 1990s.

The State House News Service contributed to this report.