The Kansas Democratic Party is making some staff changes, and most of them involve Lawrence residents.

Executive Director Patrick Murray, of Lawrence, is resigning effective Monday to manage the U.S. Senate campaign of Joan Ruff, an Overland Park businesswoman who has never sought public office.

Larry Gates, the party’s chairman, said in a news release that Murray’s network of contacts and experience would benefit the Ruff campaign.

“The Kansas Democratic Party’s loss is Joan Ruff’s gain,” Gates said.

Another Lawrence resident, Mark Simpson, will be promoted to special assistant to the chairman to manage the party’s fund-raising and outreach coordinations. He formerly served as the party’s finance director. He has been with the party since February 2003.

Lawrence resident Mike Gaughan will become the party’s director of operations and manage daily business matters. Gaughan has worked with the Progressive Lawrence Campaign and Douglas County Democrats.