TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Incoming Kansas Senate Vice President Jeff King has appointed a legislative aide who’s worked for leaders in both chambers as his new chief of staff.
King said he picked Katie Koupal for the job because of her Statehouse experience. King is a Republican from Independence.
Koupal has worked for House Majority Leader Arlen Siegfreid, an Olathe Republican, and former Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, an Independence Republican. She’s also worked for a Topeka lobbying firm.
King was appointed to the Senate in 2010, after Schmidt was elected attorney general. King previously served four years in the House. He is an attorney.
King’s selection by fellow Republicans as Senate vice president still must be ratified by the chamber when lawmakers convene in January, but that’s expected to be a formality.