AutomationElement.RootElement returns null

 AutomationElement desktop = AutomationElement.RootElement;
 AutomationElement programManager = GetElementByNameAndControlType(desktop, ControlType.Pane, "Program Manager");
 AutomationElement appIcon = GetElementByNameAndControlType(programManager, ControlType.ListItem, "My Little App");

This code worked in VS2012.

Now, in VS2013, the 1st line fails because the RootElement is null.

What do I need to do to get it working again?

Thanks!!!!

closl