Phil Cox, a top political advisor to Gov. Bob McDonnell, was named executive director of the Republican Governors Association, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, the group's chairman, announced Monday.

“The governors have established an extremely high bar by which to measure success at the RGA,” said Cox. “I am humbled to have their trust and am excited to not only defend and grow our majority, but also help turn our country around by equipping our governors with resources to help them govern effectively.”

Cox was McDonnell’s campaign manager in 2009 and his transition director.

“Phil is uniquely qualified to help guide the RGA as it embarks on an expanded role, welcoming more than 15 new governors,” said McDonnell, the group’s vice chairman. “Phil knows how to run highly effective campaigns and understands the many responsibilities confronting our new slate of governors.”