After 12 years of working under Gov. John Engler as his spokesman, John Truscott has decided it’s time pursue his own agenda.

The director of communications and press secretary for the governor, Truscott has earned a reputation as knowledgeable and trustworthy. In mid-March, he will leave to open his own consulting firm in Lansing.

“There have been many opportunities outside politics that I’ve had over the years, but there was always another campaign or another issue,” Truscott said. “But, there comes a time when you have to move on, and it’s time.”

Truscott, 34, began working with Engler on his first campaign for Michigan governor in 1989. Engler narrowly defeated incumbent Democrat James Blanchard in 1990.

In a written release, Engler reflected on Truscott’s time.

“It’s difficult for me to put into words how much I will miss his dedication, his professionalism and his sound advice on media strategies,” Engler said.

Truscott began his career in 1987 as a political science and communications senior at MSU, working with state Sen. Doug Cruce, R-Troy, as a staff assistant. He then moved to the House Republican Press Office as a legislative press and video specialist, where he was assigned media-related work for four separate legislators as well as having the responsibility of hosting cable television programs.

Truscott also served as the statewide media director for Ballot proposal B in 1988, a bill dealing with crime victim’s rights.

Truscott started as the youngest press secretary in the country and is now the longest-serving press spokesman for any governor.

Truscott reflected on his time in office, stating that he enjoyed the travel and the opportunity to meet world leaders. Truscott also said that he enjoyed the time during the birth of Engler’s triplets, which Truscott said gave the public an opportunity to see more than the public policy.

“It humanized him in a way that hadn’t happened before,” Truscott said. “People had a chance to see him the way I see him every day.”

Larry Lee, executive branch and long measure courts reporter for Gongwer News Service, has had the opportunity to talk to Truscott on a number of occasions. Lee, who has worked for Gongwer for roughly 30 years, also has worked as the House reporter.

“(My experience) has been pretty positive,” Lee said. “He’s one of the better press secretaries that have been in there. He’s clued in on what’s happening and what he wants to get across.”