FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Gov. Steve Beshear has hired a veteran government finance staffer to serve as state budget director.

Beshear announced Monday that Jane Driskell will take over the high-profile duties in January.

She will replace Mary Lassiter, who has been serving as both budget director and as head of the governor's executive cabinet. Lassiter will continue as executive cabinet secretary.

Beshear said Driskell's "vast experience in handling financial management issues" will be beneficial, as his administration implements the current budget and drafts future ones.

Driskell started her government career in 1985, as a policy and budget analyst in the Governor's Office for Policy and Management. She also has held executive management positions in Louisville and Lexington governments, including deputy mayor, chief financial officer, budget director, and commissioner of finance.