McClung is leaving Pawlenty’s office to run MN Forward

Brian McClung, who has been Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s chief spokester for most of his two terms in office, is leaving to start his own communications shop and run a pro-business political group. His last day is Friday.

McClung, 37, is starting McClung Communications & Public Relations. He will also direct MN Forward, a new political fund backed by the heads of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Business Partnership. McClung starts work at MN Forward on Monday.

McClung was Pawlenty’s press secretary in the early days of his administration. Over time his title expanded to communications director and deputy chief of staff.

Bruce Gordon, who has worked in Pawlenty’s office for nearly five years, will now serve as communications director and chief spokesman for the governor.