Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. announced several changes in his staff on Thursday, including a new primary spokeswoman.

Lisa Roskelley, who had been serving as the governor's communications coordinator, is now his communications director. The former Standard-Examiner reporter replaces Mike Mower, who has been named the new state planning coordinator.

"With foundations in both public administration and journalism, Lisa is well-suited for this new role," Huntsman said in a statement. "She has already been working as an integral part of communications team and her transition as communications director will be seamless."

Huntsman said Mower, who moves to the governor's office of planning and budget in his new position, now "leads our efforts to better coordinate and implement our administration's policy and long-term planning goals."

Mower had previously worked for the city of Provo as director of community and government relations. He has been the governor's legislative liaison and over constituent affairs as well as deputy chief of staff.

Other changes in the governor's staff include:

• Robert Spendlove moves from chief economist to policy director.

• Jami Palmer, Huntsman's executive assistant, becomes deputy communications director.

• Becky Bruso, assistant to the rural affairs director, replaces Palmer as executive assistant.