Gov. Mary Fallin is giving a newly created, $170,000-a-year job to the woman she defeated for governor five years ago.

Jari Askins was named Thursday as special adviser to the governor on child welfare and Pinnacle Plan implementation.

The Pinnacle Plan is the Oklahoma Department of Human Services’ effort to reform the state’s child welfare operations. The plan arose from the settlement of a federal class action lawsuit that said these operations were a danger to children.

“There is no one more qualified to ensure that we are placing Oklahoma children in safe and loving environments,” Fallin said.