Delaware budget director leaving for post at private school

DOVER, Del. (AP) - Gov. Jack Markell’s budget director is leaving to take a job with an elite private boarding school in Middletown.

Markell’s office said Friday that budget director Ann Visalli, a 22-year state employee, is expected to step down next month. Markell has nominated Brian Maxwell, deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, to succeed Visalli. Maxwell’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the state Senate.

Officials said Visalli has taken a job as chief operating officer at St. Andrew’s School.

Visalli previously served as deputy state treasurer to Markell before being tapped as state budget director following Markell’s election as governor in 2008.

She previously worked in the Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families and in the controller general’s office.