Newly elected Cape and Islands state Rep. Tim Madden, who takes office in January, announced late Wednesday that he has appointed Nell Coogan as the Vineyard legislative liaison.

Ms. Coogan, 29, is an Island native and 1997 graduate of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. She has worked as legal counsel to the Massachusetts Senate Committee on Ways and Means for the last two years.

Ms. Coogan will replace Russell Smith, the former longtime liaison who worked under outgoing state Rep. Eric T. Turkington.

“She will be a large asset,” Mr. Madden said in comments Wednesday.

“I think we’re going to be a good team and I am excited to get started,” Ms. Coogan said.

A complete story about Ms. Coogan’s appointment will appear in the Friday Gazette.