Steve Kawa, who has served as Mayor Gavin Newsom's chief of staff since the beginning of his administration in January 2004, announced his resignation Friday, December 15, stating that he wanted to spend more time with his family.

Kawa, 45, one of the highest openly gay members of Newsom's administration, said in a statement that the time has come for "a new and exciting chapter in my life. I have decided to spend more time with my amazing family, and my children who are growing up too fast before my eyes."

Kawa and his partner Dan Henkle have two young children. He did not immediately return calls to his office and cell phone seeking comment.

Newsom announced that Phil Ginsburg, currently director of the city's human resources department, would replace Kawa. Ginsburg is not gay.

Kawa has worked for the city for 15 years. He previously served as a top aide to former Mayor Willie Brown.

Newsom said he accepted Kawa's resignation "with personal sadness."

"Steve is the most extraordinary public servant I have ever met. His passion for the city of San Francisco and the institution of city government has been an inspiration to me and to everyone he has worked with here at City Hall. He will remain one of my most trusted friends and advisers in the years ahead."

In his letter to the mayor, Kawa noted Newsom's decision to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in February 2004. Kawa and Henkle were married by the mayor, who only performed a few of the thousands of ceremonies that took place during what has been dubbed the "Winter of Love."

"Dan and I were honored when you agreed to marry us after your courageous decision to end discrimination," Kawa wrote in his letter.

Kawa's resignation comes as Newsom prepares to run for re-election next year.