After a week of speculation, Gov. Deval Patrick announced on Friday that James Aloisi will serve as the state's next transportation secretary.

"Jim brings a deep understanding of the challenges we face in reforming our transportation network," Patrick, a Milton Democrat, said in a statement. "He will be a skilled and energetic advocate for our reform agenda."

Patrick's announcement comes after a week of reports that Patrick was considering replacing Bernard Cohen, who resigned from the post this week, with Aloisi.

As those reports surfaced, Aloisi has been criticized for his role as a former general counsel of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority during the Big Dig.

Aloisi will face numerous challenges when he takes over as secretary. Among them, he will be charged with developing a plan to dismantle the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, as well as working with the governor to reform a transportation system that is riddled with billions of dollars in debt.

Aloisi was originally considered for the job when Patrick was elected in 2006. He will take over for Cohen on Jan. 2.