TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- An assistant director of the Kansas Legislature's nonpartisan research staff will serve as acting director for at least the next several months.

Legislative leaders decided Wednesday that Raney Gilliland will hold the top job while they seek a permanent replacement for Alan Conroy.

Conroy is stepping down as research director Feb. 10 to become executive director of the pension system for Kansas teachers and government workers.

Gilliland has been an assistant legislative research director since 2004, overseeing staffers who handle policy issues. He joined the research staff in 1979.