OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Attorney General Scott Pruitt has named Melissa McLawhorn Houston as his new chief of staff.

Houston joined Pruitt's administration as assistant attorney general in the General Counsel Unit and she also served as director of public policy. Houston replaces Crystal Drwenski, who left to pursue a position in private industry.

Houston has been chief of staff for the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security. She also served as deputy director for the Oklahoma Sheriffs' Association and staff attorney for the Oklahoma Truth in Sentencing Policy Advisory Commission.

Houston has been involved in political and policy development issues through work on several political campaigns, including a race for a state House seat and a statewide issue campaign.

She serves on the Board of Trustees for the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.