Gov-elect Nathan Deal has tapped a lobbyist for the University of Georgia as his new commissioner of Economic Development. Deal said Monday he'll recommend Chris Cummiskey to the state board of Economic Development, which will must approve his appointment.

Cummiskey served as former House Speaker Glenn Richardson's chief of staff and state director for U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson. He became UGA's director of state relations in 2008. Deal also said he would reappoint the heads of six Georgia departments. They are Department of Drivers Services Commissioner Greg Dozier, Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Mike Beatty, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Director Vernon Keenan, Georgia Building Authority Director Steve Stancil, Department of Transportation Planning Director Todd Long and Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Ron Jackson.

Tags: economic development, University of Georgia, House Speaker, Glenn Richardson, Johnny Isakson, lobbyist, Gov-elect Nathan Deal, Chris Cummiskey, Department of Drivers Services Commissioner Greg Dozier, Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Mike Beatty