Adobe adds GOP lobbyist from Sen. Hatch's staff

Adobe Systems has hired Sen. Orrin Hatch's (R-Utah) chief of staff as a lobbyist.

Jace Johnson is leaving Hatch's office to take a position as vice president of global government affairs for the San Jose, Calif.,-based software firm. Johnson became chief of staff in December 2007 after serving two years as legislative director. He started in Hatch's office as a legislative assistant in 2002 and holds an M.B.A. from George Washington University.

Johnson will be replaced by Michael Kennedy, who serves as vice president for federal at state relations at Utah State University. In a statement issued Wednesday, Hatch said despite his departure, Johnson "will remain a close political adviser."

Kennedy previously worked in Washington as a lobbyist for seven years representing various public interests in Utah.