OREGON CAPITAL INSIDER - Carpet in the Oregon governor's ceremonial office in the state Capitol in Salem

Natalie King, who was Gov. Kate Brown’s communications director for the past three years, has continued her wide-ranging PR career by joining the Portland Trail Blazers. Her new gig is senior vice president of communications for the overall organization known as Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Quarter. King spent five years on Brown’s staff after working with Dexis Consulting Group, Portland and New Delhi; USAID Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, Washington, D.C.; UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Beirut; and Self Magazine, New York City.

 Nick Batz took over as full-time director of the Oregon Broadband Office. His previous role with Business Oregon, the state’s economic development department, was as government affairs and policy manager. Before that he was district director for Congressman Peter DeFazio.

Gov. Tina Kotek promoted Marvin Révoal to chair of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission. He has been a commissioner for nine years. Paul Rosenbaum, who was OLCC chair, resigned at Kotek’s request. The commission will operate one member down until Kotek nominates, and the Oregon Senate confirms, a seventh member.

After two-plus years, Maria Ellis left her job as economic equity manager for the Oregon Department of Transportation. She previously was executive director of the Pacific Northwest International Trade Association and federal affairs director for the Portland Business Alliance.

Dana Hittle is the new state Medicaid director. She held the interim role for the past two years and previously was deputy Medicaid director.

Ryan Deibert, who was Gov. Brown’s health and housing policy director for nearly two years, moved to the Oregon Health Authority as the department’s health-related social needs director.

Kevin Sullivan, who was political and field director for Kotek’s gubernatorial campaign, joined Mahonia Public Affairs as a contract lobbyist.