Community Affairs chief leaving Christie administration

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey's community affairs commissioner, who had overseen Superstorm Sandy recovery programs, is officially stepping down.

Gov. Chris Christie's office announced Monday that Richard Constable will be leaving the administration at the end of the week for a job outside of government.

Deputy Commissioner Charles Richman will take over as acting commissioner.

Constable had served in Christie's cabinet since January 2012 and also served as chair of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency and the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority. He played a key role in implementing Superstorm Sandy housing recovery programs, which have been criticized by some.

Constable will be joining Wyndham Worldwide in the role of senior vice president of government relations and commercial contracts, a company spokeswoman said.

This is the latest in a string of departures in recent months as Christie prepares for a likely run for president.

Press secretary Michael Drewniak stepped down last month.

"Rich has served me extraordinarily well for more than a decade and I appreciate his service to this state and the country," Christie said in a statement.
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