TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Rep.-elect Steve Watkins has appointed members of his predecessor's staff and a state Republican Party official to key positions in his congressional office.

The GOP congressman has announced that Jim Joice will serve as communications director. Joice has been the Kansas Republican Party's executive director.

Watkins also announced that Bill Roe will be deputy chief of staff and Adam York will serve as legislative director. Roe was chief of staff to retiring Rep. Lynn Jenkins, and York was her deputy chief of staff.

Watkins said earlier that Colin Brainard will be his chief of staff. Brainard worked previously for Jenkins but more recently as executive director of Congress' Joint Economic Committee.

Watkins will represent the 2nd District of eastern Kansas and replace Jenkins on Jan. 3.