Gov. Rick Perry has picked a former member of the Texas Public Safety Commission as secretary of state, the chief elections officer in Texas.
San Antonio attorney John Steen replaces Hope Andrade, who announced last week she was stepping down after four years on the job.
Steen will also serve as Perry's liaison on border and Mexican affairs, and become chief protocol officer on international issues.
He has contributed around $56,000 to Perry's gubernatorial campaigns. Steen also has given to Attorney General Greg Abbott, Comptroller Susan Combs and Texas House Speaker Joe Straus.
Steen is past chairman of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and once served on the Texas Commission on Economy and Efficiency in State Government.
Perry on Tuesday hailed Steen's "strong business background and dedication to public service."
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.