McDonnell names four to state posts

Virginia Gov.-elect Robert F. McDonnell on Thursday appointed four key members of his administration.

The Republican announced that he intends to reappoint Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine’s secretary of finance, Richard D. Brown.

The governor-elect named Martin D. Kent as his chief of staff and Marla Graff Decker his secretary of public safety. Both had served in the attorney general’s office under Mr. McDonnell. He also named Eric Finkbeiner his senior policy adviser.

In announcing Mr. Brown’s reappointment, Mr. McDonnell said he “has been a dedicated servant to the citizens of the commonwealth for more than 35 years. His in-depth knowledge of state government finances is unparalleled.”

He added that he asked Mr. Brown to stay on “until such time as I believe my administration has a complete understanding of our current economic situation.”

Mr. Brown, an Arlington native, was appointed by Mr. Kaine to the position of secretary. He had also served Mr. Kaine as the state’s director of planning and budget, a position he was originally appointed to by Gov. James S. Gilmore III.