Gov. Jim Douglas continues to fill positions in his administration and appointed a new secretary of Human Services on Thursday.

Douglas announced that Commissioner of Corrections Rob Hofmann will soon head the Human Services Agency, replacing Cindy LaWare as she explores other opportunities.

In a statement, the governor said Hofmann had the fiscal and managerial skills needed to successfully fill the role as secretary of Human Services.

“Rob shares my views that the best social program is a good job and the best way to balance the budget is to grow the economy,” Douglas said on Thursday. “He has proven to be an innovative, caring and pragmatic leader at the Department of Corrections, addressing some of our state’s most pressing challenges with balance and common sense.

The governor also thanked LaWare for her service to the state of Vermont.

“Cindy has been an important and dedicated member of my cabinet and has served Vermonters with diligence and professionalism for the past seven years,” Douglas added.

Hofmann’s appointment begins Nov. 23 of this year and is one of several new appointments in the governor’s administration since his reelection on Nov. 4.