Sen. Mitch McConnell, who will assume the role of majority leader in 2015, has named longtime aide Julie Adams secretary of the Senate.
Adams, in addition to working with McConnell, was spokeswoman for former first lady Laura Bush, serving in the White House from 2007 until 2009.
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“Julie is being appointed to a position of great trust and responsibility,” McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, said in a statement. “And I’m confident that she will continue serving this institution and our colleagues with the skill and professionalism she’s demonstrated throughout her career in both the Senate and White House.”
With the majority switching from Democratic to Republican, it’s typical for the incoming leader to pick new staff who will oversee the functioning of the Senate.
Adams will replace Nancy Erickson, who has served as secretary of the Senate at the behest of current Majority Leader Harry Reid, since he took over the gavel in January 2007.
The Senate secretary oversees the day-to-day operations of the Senate and will coordinate a new technology initiative that will make management of legislative and financial information more efficient.
McConnell appointed Mary Suit Jones to the position of assistant secretary of the Senate. Jones held the job from 2003-2007, under the previous Senate GOP majority.
Jones has been serving as Republican staff director of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee.
