CBS News has a new political director, with CBS News President David Rhodes announcing the appointment of Caitlin Conant to the post. Conant, who will continue to be based in Washington, D.C., will begin her new role on Monday, April 9.

Conant will report directly to CBS News Vice President and Washington Bureau Chief Christopher Isham.

“Caitlin’s background in national politics and her experience here at CBS News give her the strengths and perspectives to be a superb political director — we are all very excited that she will be leading our political coverage as we head into what will certainly be a fascinating and challenging political cycle,” said Isham.

Conant is currently Executive Director of Communications for CBS News in Washington, managing communications and media relations for the Washington, D.C., Bureau and its correspondents. She worked closely with then-“Face the Nation” moderator John Dickerson and currently works with “Face the Nation” moderator Margaret Brennan and executive producer Mary Hager on editorial planning and strategic branding.

Conant serves as the principal spokesperson on political, polling and press access matters, and works on political and Capitol Hill outreach for the Washington Bureau. Conant also helped plan and execute CBS News’ earned media strategy during the 2016 election cycle.

“After nearly a decade on Capitol Hill and presidential and Senate campaigns, I joined CBS News and the world of media,” said Conant. “Nearly two years later, CBS News feels like home. I am honored and humbled to take on this new role, and am eager to continue to work with my colleagues here as we prepare to cover the critical midterms and the exciting election season to come.”

Conant has been with CBS News since May 2016. She previously spent eight years working in the U.S. Senate and on various political campaigns. Conant most recently worked for Sen. Marco Rubio’s (R-Fla.) presidential campaign, where she directed regional press and surrogate communications. Prior to that, she served as communications director for Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio). Conant also served as a communications advisor for Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) U.S. Senate campaign; press secretary for Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.); deputy press secretary for Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s (R-Minn.) presidential campaign, and legislative correspondent for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). Conant, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, got her start in politics right after college while working for McCain’s presidential campaign in 2008.

Caitlin Conant