BY OLYMPIA MEOLA

Taylor Thornley, the deputy communications director for Gov. Bob McDonnell, is leaving that post to join Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling’s campaign for governor.

Thornley will start as communications director for Bolling’s campaign on Aug. 2.

Thornley started working for McDonnell in May 2009 as a press assistant for his gubernatorial campaign, and stayed on to work in the administration. She currently serves as deputy communications director.

The Southern Methodist University graduate had previously worked on U.S. Sen. John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign as a press assistant to his wife, Cindy McCain.