Ernst hires communications director

U.S. Sen.-elect Joni Ernst has hired a communications director, as her office staffs up in preparation for her to take the oath of office on Jan. 6.

Ernst, who won Iowa's high-profile Senate race last month, has hired Brook Hougesen as her communications director.

Most recently, Hougesen was press secretary of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

She also has served as communications director for Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill.

In the 2012 election cycle, Hougesen was regional press secretary for the Congressional Leadership Fund, a Super PAC.

Hougesen has a degree in public relations from Illinois State University.

Last month, Ernst's office said that Cam Sutton, a retired insurance executive from central Iowa, would be her new state director.