The cable giant Comcast, which recently acquired NBC Universal, said Wednesday it has tapped Kyle McSlarrow, the current chief of the leading cable trade association and a former GOP staffer, to head its D.C. office and oversee other national efforts.

McSlarrow will become president of Comcast/NBC Universal, Washington D.C., where he will be in charge of the public policy office as well as product development and customer relations in the Washington metropolitan area.

“In addition, Mr. McSlarrow will participate in national efforts to improve the customer experience and will help lead strategic planning around the extension of Comcast Business Services at the federal and state government levels,” a release from Comcast said.

He will report to David Cohen, executive vice president of Comcast, and will work closely with Neil Smit, president of Comcast Cable, and Steve Burke, the chief executive officer of NBC Universal.

“Kyle has been a tremendous leader and tireless advocate for the cable and media industry in Washington D.C.,” Brian Roberts, chairman and chief executive officer for Comcast, said in the release. McSlarrow will fill a newly created position.

Since 2005, McSlarrow has been president of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, whose membership includes Comcast.

“Having worked closely with Comcast and NBC Universal for a number of years, I am excited and proud to have the opportunity to join such a rapidly growing company that is clearly the leader in the media, entertainment, and communications industries,” McSlarrow said in the announcement.

Before working for the cable association, McSlarrow held a number of political, executive and legislative branch jobs, including deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy and national chairman of Dan Quayle’s 2000 presidential campaign.

He also was chief of staff for former Sen. Paul Coverdell (R-Ga.) and deputy chief of staff and chief counsel for Senate Majority Leaders Bob Dole (R-Kan.) and Trent Lott (R-Miss.).