Lewis, a 29-year veteran of the DMV and director since 2001, is leaving state service to devote more time to Rotary International.

“I am retiring to pursue a tremendous opportunity with my husband Steve to make a difference with Rotary International,” Lewis said. “This new challenge will occupy my time for the next few years and is deserving of the same amount of time and commitment that I have given this department for the past 29 years.”

“In the short seven years the DMV has been under Ginny’s leadership, the department has made major strides in customer service and operational efficiency,” Gibbons said. “Our state’s DMV has improved dramatically under the leadership of Ginny Lewis and is well poised for the future. She will be sorely missed.”

Lewis began her career with the Nevada DMV in 1979 as an administrative aide. She’s held positions with the department that include management analyst and chief of driver’s licenses. Lewis was appointment deputy director of the Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety in 1999 and was appointed director of the Nevada DMV when the departments split in 2001.

Lewis will assist the state through the creation of the executive budget, and her last day will be Dec. 12, 2008.