WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, R- Maine, recently announced several personnel changes within her office.

Veteran Maine staff member Don Green has returned to serve as Snowe’s legislative director.

“I am pleased to welcome Don back to our office,” said Snowe. “Having worked previously for both me and Sen. (Susan) Collins, Don brings legislative experience and insight into our state’s issues, which will serve Mainers well.”

Also, Chris Averill, a fiveyear veteran of the Senate Small Business Committee, on which Sen. Snowe serves as ranking member, will replace Communications Director Ken Lundberg, who has worked on Capitol Hill as a journalist and communications adviser to House and Senate members since 1995.

“Ken has played an invaluable role in our organization and his strategic counsel will be missed. We appreciate the great work he has done and wish him the very best in his pursuits. I look forward to following his continued success,” said Snowe.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Sen. Snowe is a quality individual and works tirelessly on behalf of Mainers. I appreciate the opportunity to have served the senator and the people of Maine,” said Lundberg, who announced he would leave the office to pursue interests in the private sector.

Averill has worked on the Senate Small Business Committee since February 2007, handling a number of legislative issues of interest to Maine for Snowe, including manufacturing and the economic redevelopment of closed military bases, such as the former Brunswick Naval Air Station.

Additionally, Averill handled communications for the Republican staff of the committee. Averill is a 2006 graduate of Bowdoin College.

Other changes

In addition, Brandon Bouchard, currently the senator’s deputy press secretary, will be promoted to press secretary, and Scott Ogden of the senator’s staff will become deputy press secretary.

Bouchard and Ogden are both native Mainers and graduates of Bowdoin College.