Doug Gramiak is set to join Drinker Biddle as a senior government relations director.

Delaware Gov. John Carney's chief of staff is making a move into the law firm world, leaving the governor's office for Drinker Biddle & Reath.

Doug Gramiak is set to join Drinker Biddle as a senior government relations director Nov. 1 in the firm's Wilmington office. In that role, he will provide strategic advice and consulting for clients on communications and public affairs issues.

Gramiak was not available for an interview about his move. In a statement about his leaving the governor's office, he said being Carney's chief of staff has been "a privilege."

"While I will miss being a part of the governor's office, I'm excited for this new opportunity and will continue to support the governor every chance I get," he said.

In a statement about the hire, Drinker Biddle CEO Andrew Kassner noted that Delaware is an important market to the firm.

Drinker Biddle has 25 other lawyers and one other senior government relations director, Mary Kate McLaughlin, in its Wilmington office, according to the firm's website. Firmwide, it has over 500 lawyers in its 12 offices.

"Doug is well respected in Delaware, and he will enhance our consulting services capabilities, including providing communications, government relations and strategic advice," Thomas McGonigle, regional partner in charge of the firm's Wilmington office, said in a statement. "Having served in key strategic roles at the highest levels, coupled with his extensive communications experience, Doug brings a unique and dynamic perspective that will bolster our service offerings to the firm's clients."

In a statement Oct. 16 about Gramiak's departure from his office, Carney thanked him for his service to the state.

"I have valued Doug's advice since he first came to work for me when I was elected Lieutenant Governor back in 2001," Carney said. "In the years since, he has been a friend and one of my closest advisers. Doug has led our team over the past three years as we confronted difficult challenges around the state budget, public education, and our corrections system."

With Gramiak leaving, deputy chief of staff Sheila Grant will move into the chief of staff role.