WFAA-TV

Chris Heinbaugh

Veteran WFAA-TV (Ch. 8) political reporter Chris Heinbaugh will become Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert's chief of staff later this month, Mr. Heinbaugh confirmed Thursday afternoon.

The switch to politics ends Mr. Heinbaugh's seven-year run at WFAA-TV, where he most recently covered the Dallas mayoral election -- and Mr. Leppert himself.

"I've been looking to move out of journalism. I've had a good career, and this seemed like a natural fit, a great opportunity to stay in Dallas and keep giving back to the community," Mr. Heinbaugh said. "It'll be different -- as a journalist, you always have one foot on the outside, looking in. Now I'll be on the inside, trying to work with the mayor to get city goals accomplished."

Mr. Leppert was the subject of numerous news stories Mr. Heinbaugh reported this year for WFAA-TV, which is owned by The Dallas Morning News' parent company, Belo Corp. And not all of those news stories necessarily flattered the new mayor, such as pieces noting Mr. Leppert's less-than-perfect voting record and membership to a country club that has yet to accept black member into its ranks.

"He always understood that ours was a professional relationship and that there was nothing personal about it," Mr. Heinbaugh said. "He respected me, and I respected him."

As chief of staff, Mr. Heinbaugh will oversee the operations of the mayor's office and assist in pushing the mayor's agenda, which includes reducing crime, improving education and addressing quality of life issues.

Mr. Heinbaugh officially starts Aug. 27, he said. Dallas public relations specialist Paula Blackmon will serve as Mr. Leppert's deputy chief of staff, Mr. Heinbaugh said.

In June, Mr. Leppert became mayor by defeating former three-term Dallas City Council member Ed Oakley in a mayoral election runoff.