Gov.-elect Jay Nixon has already hired one of the runner-ups in the Democratic primary for attorney general.

Now, he’s got a job for the second place winner.

Former State Rep. Margaret Donnelly, who narrowly lost the party’s nomination to be the state’s lead lawyer, was today named head of the Health and Senior Services Department by the incoming governor.

Donnelly, of Richmond Heights, has been an advocate for women and children during her long career in public service.

A former social worker, Donnelly served on the Ferguson-Florissant School Board and helped establish the first domestic violence shelter in St. Louis County.

“With her many years of experience as a social worker, an attorney and a state legislator, Margaret understands the key role the Department of Health and Senior Services plays in the lives of all Missourians,” Nixon said in a statement.

Previously, Nixon hired Columbia Democrat Jeff Harris, who ran against Donnelly in the attorney general primary last year, as his policy director. Both Harris and Donnelly lost to Chris Koster, who will be sworn into the office this month.

Donnelly’s appointment is subject to senate confirmation.