Gov. Kate Brown’s senior policy adviser, Gina Zejdlik, stepped down Aug. 31 after having a baby and opting not to return after her maternity leave, according to Brown’s spokeswoman.

Zejdlik was part of Brown’s original executive team when the former secretary of state ascended to governor. Brown was next in succession when former Gov. John Kitzhaber stepped down in February 2015 amid an influence-peddling scandal involving contracts awarded to Kitzhaber’s fiancee, Cylvia Hayes. Brown was elected to the position Nov. 8 to complete the last two years of Kitzhaber’s four-year term.

Zejdlik could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Her successor is scheduled to be announced “shortly,” said Kristen Grainger, Brown’s spokeswoman.

Zejdlik graduated from Notre Dame Law School. Before joining the governor’s office, she served as Brown’s chief of staff in the Secretary of State’s Office. She held other positions in the secretary of state’s office, including legislative director and interim elections director. She also worked as deputy legislative counsel for the Oregon Legislature with a focus on government ethics, redistricting and election law.

Zejdlik is married to Philip Bentley, another Salem insider who is a lobbyist for the Oregon Health Care Association and previously worked for Senate President Peter Courtney.