Najarian says it's time to get off the ride

One of Governor Carcieri's most loyal lieutenants is leaving state government.

Beverly Najarian first came to Smith Hill as part of the governor's transition office in 2002. She will retire at the end of this week.

"It's been a great ride, but it's time to get off," says Najarian, the governor's deputy chief of staff, whose departure will be among several high-profile vacancies over the final year of Carcieri's reign.

"A lot of people are looking for landing places; there's so many agendas right now," she told Political Scene. "People say, 'There's only a year left,' but it's really going to be a long haul."

Najarian, 75, said she's most proud of her five years as director of the Department of Administration, although she had been a central figure in the Assembly's investigation into the use of private staffing firms.

"I think we did a lot -- accomplished getting [health insurance] co-shares. Did a lot in the purchasing area... And I think we've done a lot in terms of the relationships with the unions," she said.

While Najarian currently earns $136,190.25 a year, she will not receive a state pension, having worked for state government less than 10 years, following a 40-year career in the private sector. She says she has "nothing lined up," but may serve on a board or two in the near future.