HOGAN CELEBRATES NEW YEAR WITH NEW APPOINTMENTS

"The year 2014 turned out to be a pretty good year for us, and we are looking forward to 2015 and getting to work on behalf of the citizens of Maryland," Governor-elect Larry Hogan said Tuesday in wishing reporters a Happy New Year, while announcing four more senior appointments to his cabinet.

Former Maryland House Minority Whip Al Redmer will reassume the post he held under former Governor Bob Ehrlich, Insurance Commissioner.

Stephen Moyer, a well-regarded veteran of the Maryland State Police, will serve as Hogan's Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. This is an office to watch in the coming months, as prison scandals repeatedly rocked the administration of outgoing Governor Martin O'Malley. 

George W. Owings III, a Democrat and veteran of both the Vietnam War and the state legislature, was named Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Owings served as Majority Whip in the House, lives in Calvert County, and is another boomerang appointment from the Ehrlich years.

Maryland's new Secretary of State will be John Wobensmith. Wobensmith has decades of national security experience, has served under 5 presidents, and has worked in several foreign countries including Turkey and England.

"All four individuals bring a wealth of experience to their respective roles," Hogan said. “I am pleased to have them as a part of the team.” Hogan is scheduled to be sworn in on January 21.