– The Missouri Democratic Party announced on Monday that Crystal Brinkley will serve as its new executive director.

Brinkley, the party’s current finance director, comes from a familiar pool of candidates for the state party: Jay Nixon alumni. Joe Duffy, who has left the party, served as field director for Nixon for Missouri prior to taking the post at the party. Brinkley served as a press assistant in the official office for much of Nixon’s first.

“Crystal has shown a tireless work ethic and strong leadership skills both as finance director at the Party and in previous positions,” said Roy Temple, chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party. “She’ll continue to advance our Party’s priorities on all levels.”

Temple also announced Kristen Self, the previous campaign director for the Indiana House Democratic Caucus, would be brought on as to fill the party’s newly formed position, director of campaigns. Since November 2012, Self has been raising money for the Future Farmers of America Foundation.

“I am thrilled to be building our team’s capacity with two talented professionals who are committed to the Democratic Party’s mission of improving the lives of Missouri families,” Temple said.

Indiana, like Missouri, is a state where Republicans maintained a tight grip on the state legislature. Self’s new role at the state party was created as Democrats have renewed their focus on targeting legislative Republicans in close districts.

Both will begin their new roles on April 28.