Delaware budget director leaving for post at private school

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 said he would nominate her successor for consideration and confirmation by the state Senate in the near future.

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.