PROVIDENCE — Governor Carcieri yesterday announced the resignation of his chief spokesman, Jeff Neal, one of just two senior staffers who remain of the Republican governor’s original inner circle.

Neal, who was hired weeks after Carcieri took office in January 2003, has agreed to stay until late June, the end of the legislative session.

A 38-year-old native of Texas, Neal said yesterday that his decision is not related to the governor’s weak poll numbers, the state budget crisis or the stress of a job that often consumed full days, nights and weekends.

“I have enjoyed this job tremendously. What I enjoy most about it is the challenge,” he said. “This job would not be nearly as fun if it was quiet and easy.”

He continued: “I decided it was time for me after five years to make a change and look for new opportunities.”

Neal, who earns $102,492.60 a year, said he notified Carcieri in September of his desire to leave, but was asked to stay through January. Last month, Neal again informed the governor of his desire to leave.

They agreed that Neal would stay through the end of June.

“Jeff Neal has been an important part of my administration since the very beginning,” Carcieri said yesterday in a statement. “Day after day for over five years, Jeff has accurately, effectively and aggressively communicated my administration’s policies to the media and to the people of Rhode Island. I appreciate his skill, hard work and determination to make sure the administration’s side of every story is always represented.”

Carcieri’s term ends in 2010. He has not announced Neal’s successor.

Neal said he has yet to find another job.

“I have no plans,” he said. “I’m looking for the next opportunity — the next phase of my professional career and I don’t know what that will be.”

The vast majority of Carcieri’s original senior staff has already left state government. After Neal leaves, only his director of municipal affairs, Deb Smith, will remain.

“There is a natural life cycle to these jobs and anyone in this business is aware of that,” Neal said. “The overwhelming majority of the senior staff in place in January 2003 has already left. It really isn’t a question of why is he leaving so early.”

In the most recent round of personnel moves, the governor last month replaced deputy chief of staff John R. Pagliarini and moved communications director Steve Kass to the state Emergency Management Agency.

speoples@projo.com