Not quite one year ago, the Entertainment Software Association turned to Washington insider and former Bush policy adviser Mike Gallagher to lead its affairs in Washington. The gaming industry trade group is once again recruiting from inside the beltway, as today the ESA announced that Sally Jefferson has been appointed to vice president of state government affairs.

According to the ESA, Jefferson's role in this position will be to "advance the state and local government relations needs of companies publishing computer and video games." Jefferson will also continue with her other responsibilities at the ESA, overseeing the trade group's interests with national organizations representing state legislators and governors.

"Sally is well-known in state and local politics for her reliable and consistent industry representation. With her wealth of experience, contacts and knowledge, I am sure the ESA's members and the computer and video game industry writ-large will be well-served by her advancement," said Democratic Governors Association executive director Nathan Daschle.

Jefferson boasts an extensive track record working on and through Capitol Hill. Prior to joining the ESA, Jefferson served as executive director of congressional and public affairs for the US Chamber of Commerce, serving as the department's senior lobbyist. Jefferson also held an executive director position for a transportation coalition representing more than 300 business, labor, state, and local organizations.