TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Incoming Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle has hired two aides from the staffs of departing Republican leaders in the House.
Wagle announced the appointments Thursday of Ryan Gilliland as her chief of staff and Aly Rodee as communications director.
Wagle, a Wichita Republican, said she wanted an experienced staff. She takes over as Senate president when lawmakers convene their 2013 session Jan. 14.
Gilliland most recently served as chief of staff for House Majority Leader Arlen Siegfreid. Rodee was communications director for House Speaker Mike O’Neal.
O’Neal did not seek re-election to the House and is CEO of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. Siegfreid remains in the House but gave up the majority leader’s job for an unsuccessful bid to be the next speaker.