New chief spokesman appointed by governor

AUGUSTA – Former freelance reporter Lynn Kippax of Kennebunkport will become Gov. John Baldacci’s chief spokesman as of Monday, the administration announced.

Kippax will replace Lee Umphrey, who has headed the governor’s communications office since Baldacci took office in 2003. Umphrey will oversee the governor’s constituent services staff and become legislative liaison for Baldacci.

Kippax served as local media coordinator, location manager and spokesman for HBO’s “Empire Falls,” which was filmed in central Maine in 2003.

He also has worked as a freelance radio and television reporter and producer for National Public Radio, Maine Public Broadcasting and other news organizations and their affiliates. He was also deputy managing editor of the News-in-ME radio network in Portland.