Gov. Pat Quinn's chief of staff, Jack Lavin, is leaving his post for the private sector. The governor sent out an announcement detailing the change later Friday, just before heading to Japan for a trade trip. 

“I thank Jack Lavin for his many years of public service and his hard work to restore fiscal stability, integrity and economic prosperity to Illinois,” said Quinn. “I’ve known Jack since I was State Treasurer and I will always consider him a friend. He has done an excellent job building a brighter future for all the citizens of this state.”

Lavin was a controversial pick for the job, having worked in former governor Rod Blagojevich's administration; his ties to the imprisoned political fundraiser Tony Rezko also raised eyebrows. 

Quinn's deputy chief of staff Ryan Croker has been named as Lavin's replacement.

“Ryan Croke knows Illinois like the back of his hand and has played a critical role in my administration since the day I took office,” Quinn said in a statement. “Ryan is a strong leader with the right vision and energy to manage the operations of state government and get things done for the people of Illinois.”

Croke will take over Lavin's post in October. Lavin is expected to move on to the private sector, although the specifics have not been released as of yet.