Washington (CNN) -- The Obama re-election campaign announced Thursday that Katherine Archuleta will serve as political director.

With her appointment, Archuleta becomes the first Latina to hold the position on a major presidential campaign, a campaign source told CNN.

Archuleta currently serves as chief of staff to Labor Secretary Hilda Solis. In her new role, she will be responsible for outreach to elected officials and groups.

Prior to this appointment, the Denver native served as chief of staff to former Transportation Secretary Federico Pena and as senior adviser for policy and initiatives to Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper.

Archuleta will join the Chicago-based campaign team, which includes campaign manager Jim Messina, who earlier this year stepped down as deputy White House chief of staff, and David Axelrod, who stepped down as White House senior adviser to reprise his role as chief strategist and top political adviser.

Patrick Gaspard and Matthew Nugen served as national political directors during the 2008 campaign.