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(AP) -- JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The executive director of the Missouri Ethics Commission is leaving to join the secretary of state's office.

Secretary of State-elect Jason Kander announced the appointment Thursday of Julie Allen as director of elections and information technology.

Allen has been the Ethics Commission's executive director since 2008. She previously worked in the administration of former Republican Gov. Matt Blunt.

Kander, a Democrat, takes office Jan. 14. He was elected secretary of state in November to succeed Robin Carnahan, who did not seek re-election.

Kander has also announced the appointments of Andrew Hartnett as commissioner of securities and John Scott as director of policy and government affairs.

Both have been working for Attorney General Chris Koster -- Hartnett as chief of staff and Scott as a special assistant to the attorney general.

(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)