Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday appointed the leader of a prominent abortion and reproductive rights organization to a top post in her new administration. 

Robin Chappelle Golston, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts, is joining Hochul's office as the executive deputy secretary to the governor. Her appointment to the post comes as abortion rights are expected to be a major issue in the coming elections following a Supreme Court ruling in Texas and pending cases before the court. 

Prior to leading the organization, Golston worked as the political director for U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand as well as in Hillary Clinton's Senate office. 

Hochul took office Aug. 24 following the resignation of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.  

"As we work to tackle the most important issues facing our state, we need a top tier team to deliver real change to New Yorkers," Gov. Hochul said. "These talented and dedicated individuals will bring the skills and experience we need to move New York forward and restore trust in government." 

Hochul also on Wednesday named Julie Wood, a communications official at Lyft and former aide to Mayor Michael Bloomberg, her communications director. Former Cortland Mayor Marty Mack was appointed appointments secretary. Sita Fey, the director of policy at the Department of Agriculture and Markets, will be deputy appointments secretary. 

And Bryan Lesswing, an aide to Hochul when she was lieutenant governor, has been appointed senior advisor.