Topeka ? House Speaker Mike O’Neal, R-Hutchinson, has hired a new chief of staff from the Kansas Chamber of Commerce.

Rachelle Colombo, who has been lobbying the Legislature for the Kansas Chamber, will replace Brent Haden, who is leaving to open a law office in Columbia, Mo.

Colombo has worked for former House Speaker Doug Mays, R-Topeka, former House Majority Leader Ray Merrick, R-Stilwell, and on Republican Tim Shallenburger’s unsuccessful campaign for governor in 2002.

Kent Beisner, Kansas Chamber president and chief executive officer, said Colombo will be missed but added, “we look forward to a continued working relationship with her in the Speaker’s office as we collaborate to make Kansas the best state in the nation in which to do business.”