AUGUSTA – The governor’s chief of communications said Wednesday that he will step down, having accomplished his goal of getting the office up and running after seven months on the job.

Peter Rogers of Yarmouth said he joined the administration in July to help set up Gov. Paul LePage’s office of communications, and never intended for it to be a long-term job. He said he believes the governor is doing a good job, and that he’s leaving on good terms. He gave his two-week notice Monday.

The Army veteran previously was deputy commissioner for the Maine Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management, and served as primary spokesman for the Maine National Guard. He also worked in the office of Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.

“I figured I’ve tried career military, I’ve done the federal side, and now I’ve worked for the state. Now it’s time to look for something new,” he said.

Rogers took the job in LePage’s administration at a time of turmoil. The previous communications chief, Dan Demeritt, resigned following news reports of foreclosures on five rental properties he owned.

Rogers said he has several ideas for future work. But for now, he said, he’s looking forward to seeing more of his family, which includes five girls ranging in age from 7 to 21.

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