As we move in to 2012, CNN’s Washington Bureau Chief Sam Feist announces new positions for two “key leaders” of CNN Politics.

Mark Preston becomes CNN Political Director.  In this role, a release states, “Mark will be CNN’s primary contact with political campaigns at both the state and national level. His work is integral to organizing critical CNN events such as presidential debates and forums.  He will help set editorial direction for CNN’s programs during the election season, including primary and election nights. Mark is also one of the great political reporters in Washington and we will continue to lean on Mark’s reporting and analysis both on TV and online throughout the coming campaign.  Mark will report to Eric Sherling.”

Paul Steinhauser, meanwhile, becomes CNN Political Editor and supervising producer of the CNN Political Unit.  “He will be responsible for overseeing CNN’s political newsgathering operations. As the leader of the political beat, Paul will be responsible for assigning and managing CNN’s political coverage team including correspondents, producers, desk editors, polling, research, and the CNN Political Ticker. Paul’s proven leadership and keen political analysis will be invaluable as CNN heads into this historic election year. Paul and the Political Unit will report to Edith Chapin.”