JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon’s communications director is joining presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s campaign as deputy chief of staff.

Nixon’s office on Tuesday announced Channing Grate will start her new job Friday. Grate’s held her job with the Democratic governor since January 2013. She previously served as communications and research chief for Nixon’s 2012 re-election campaign.

Nixon spokesman Scott Holste will take Grate’s place. He’s worked in communications for Nixon since 1994, when Nixon served as state attorney general.

Grate is leaving Nixon’s administration months before he’s set to leave office. Nixon’s term ends in January, and he’s barred by term limits from seeking re-election.