RNC brings in veteran strategist

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/POLITICS/03/31/castellanos.obama.change/art.new.castellanos.jpg caption=" The Republican National Committee will announce Monday that veteran political strategist Alex Castellanos will assume a senior communications role at the committee."]
Washington (CNN) - The Republican National Committee will announce Monday that veteran political strategist Alex Castellanos will assume a senior communications role at the committee, an RNC official tells CNN.

Earlier in the day, RNC Chairman Michael Steele revealed that communications director Trevor Francis was leaving his post.

Castellanos will not be filling Francis' old position but, rather, will be acting as an adviser to the RNC.

Castellanos is a CNN contributor, but the network learned independently of his new role at the RNC.

"Now the RNC has a new focus and direction - the 2010 elections," Castellanos said when reached by telephone. "And I am happy to help."

In 2008, Castellanos was a key member of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's campaign team. He will work with the committee through the 2010 elections.

Updated: 8:16 p.m.