Kathy Walt is returning to the Capitol to become Gov. Rick Perry’s chief of staff, the governor’s office announced Monday.

Walt left Perry’s office about a year ago to become governmental relations manager at the Lower Colorado River Authority. Walt, a former newspaper reporter, had been at Perry’s side since his days as lieutenant governor in the late 1990s.

“Kathy is a longtime trusted adviser and her continued service will be invaluable as she returns home to oversee the day-to-day operations of the governor’s office,” Perry said in a written statement. Walt is replacing Brandy Marty, who is leaving as Perry’s chief of staff amid speculation that he will appoint her to the Public Utility Commission. 

Perry also announced the appointment of Jonathan Taylor as director of the Economic Development and Tourism Division of the governor’s office. Taylor recently served as director of the Enterprise Project Management Office at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

Taylor replaces Aaron Demerson, who was tapped to become a senior adviser for economic development.

Texas Tribune donors or members may be quoted or mentioned in our stories, or may be the subject of them. For a complete list of contributors, click here.

 Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.