Former Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) is taking Washington to Hollywood.

Dodd, now the chairman and CEO of Hollywood’s top lobbying organization, the Motion Picture Association of America, announced new staff hires today that pull from his days in Congress.

Laura Nichols will oversee media relations as the MPAA’s executive vice president of global communications. Nichols was previously a senior vice president of communications and strategies for the Center for American Progress, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank.

Dodd also hired Lori McGrogan, his former deputy chief of staff, to serve as his senior adviser. McGrogan will oversee strategic planning and day-to-day operations.

“I am proud to announce this team of tremendously accomplished individuals,” Dodd said in a statement. “The creative community’s voice in Washington will be critical in the months and years ahead as our leaders debate what will be the best, most cost-effective ways to produce new jobs and protect the ones we have. We’ve assembled a senior team, who, together with our dedicated MPAA global staff, will set our sights on delivering a clear and simple message: when it comes to growing our economy, creating jobs, promoting trade and American innovation, movies matter.”

Dodd joined the MPAA in March after deciding against seeking a sixth term in Congress.