WSJ makes changes in DC bureau

Wall Street Journal Washington bureau chief Jerry Seib sent out he following staff announcement:

I’m happy to announce some shifts within the bureau, which will align us to better handle the rapidly changing world of Washington in the wake of the election. Some of these changes have been evolving for several weeks, and some are only starting now, so let me wrap them into one package.

As you all know, Sara Murray, in the wake of her successful coverage of the Romney campaign has joined our Hill coverage team for the foreseeable future.

In addition, Kristina Peterson also will be joining the Hill team, taking the place of Naftali Bendavid, who now is enjoying fine chocolates on a daily basis in Brussels. Kristina has done a previous stint on the Hill, and this returns her to the scene of those past glories. The addition of Sara and Kristina is an acknowledgement that the Hill promises to be a hotbed of both political and policy action this year; for the same reason, Patrick O’Connor also will continue to focus his energies there. Those folks, along with Janet Hook, our rock on the Hill, as well as Corey Boles and Siobhan Hughes, give us the best and most robust team covering Congress of any news organization in town.

Taking Kristina’s place on the crucially important Fed beat will be Vicki McGrane. This move is a logical progression from her fine work covering financial regulation. She’ll work closely with Jon Hilsenrath in this key area, just as Kristina did.

And taking Vicki’s place on financial regulation will be Mike Crittenden. Mike also is returning to an area where he’s worked in the past, and we’re lucky to be able to take advantage of his experience in an area that will be hopping as the implications of Dodd-Frank and the Volcker rippled out across the economy.

Please join me in cheering on our colleagues in their new assignments.