NASHVILLE (AP) - Mark Cate is leaving Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's administration after serving as Haslam's campaign manager in 2010 and as the governor's chief of staff after he took office.

Cate served as point man for many of the governor's top legislative initiatives, including caps on payouts from successful civil lawsuits and changing teacher tenure rules. He also spearheaded this year's failed effort to pass Haslam's Insure Tennessee proposal to extend health coverage to 280,000 low-income people.

Cate was a political unknown when Haslam named the real estate developer and former Maryville College financial officer as his campaign manager in 2009. Cate navigated Haslam through a tricky GOP primary and to a resounding win in the general election.

Cate plans to establish a strategic consulting firm after leaving this summer.