LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is bringing a private aide into a public job in his administration.

Ricketts announced Monday that Jessica Flanagain will join his office as a special adviser to the governor for external affairs.

Flanagain, formerly Jessica Moenning, worked as a privately paid consultant helping the governor with longer-term policy issues. Moenning wrote Ricketts’ first State of the State speech and helped lead the Nebraskans for the Death Penalty campaign.

A Ricketts spokesman says Flanagain is becoming a public employee because her duties are expanding. She will focus on communications, strategic planning and coalition building. Her salary will be $130,000.

Ricketts’ chief operating officer, Felix Davidson, is also changing from full-time employee to part-time. Davidson will work as a contract adviser on special projects.