Oregon Governor Kate Brown has filled two high-profile vacancies in state government. The Democrat announced Friday appointments to head the Oregon Lottery and the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Brown chose Alexis Taylor to head the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Taylor currently works in expanding international trade opportunities at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She replaces long-time Oregon Agriculture chief Katy Coba, who left the agency this summer to serve as the head of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services.
The selection of Taylor to head the Department of Agriculture drew immediate praise from both the Oregon Farm Bureau and the Oregon Cattleman's Association. The latter called it "exciting news for the cattle industry of Oregon" and expressed hope that Taylor's experience working with international trade at the USDA would help Oregon cattle farmers develop new export markets.
For the Oregon Lottery, Brown appointed Barry Pack. Pack has held several roles in state government including working directly under Brown when she was secretary of state. He replaces Jack Roberts, who was fired in April.
Both Taylor and Pack's appointments will need to be confirmed by the Oregon Senate.