Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) is retooling his message machine for the 111th Congress with a few key staff changes.

With senior adviser Penny Lee leaving for the private sector, Reid has hired Comcast Senior Vice President David Krone to “oversee and coordinate the integration of policy, message and outreach operations” in the leader’s office.

Krone previously worked at the National Cable & Telecommunications Association as executive vice president and was executive vice president with the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network.

In addition to Krone, Reid elevated Communications Director Rodell Mollineau to staff director of the Senate Democratic Communications Center, also known as the “war room.” Mollineau is expected to take on a larger role in strategic and long-term communications and will serve as the point person for both Reid and the Democratic caucus to coordinate with the President-elect Barack Obama’s press shop.

Senior Communications Adviser Jim Manley will continue to be Reid’s primary spokesperson, and Jon Summers will continue to be Reid’s communications director for Nevada press.