Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill made her first cabinet appointment by selecting her running mate, Lt. Gov.-elect Dale Caldwell, to serve as New Jersey’s next secretary of state.

Sherrill's office says in his new role, Caldwell will oversee elections, arts and cultural initiatives, small business services and statewide efforts to promote tourism and voter participation.

Sherrill said Caldwell’s background made him an obvious choice for the key role.

“His resumé is obviously incredibly impressive,” she said at the announcement in East Brunswick. “And one of the things that continues to speak to me is his servant leadership, the fact that he puts himself last, that his relentless commitment to serving the people of New Jersey shines through in every single way.”

The governor-elect's office pointed to his work in community leadership, urban education and economic development, including as executive director of the Rutgers University Institute for Leadership.

“One of the reasons I want to do this is to really support Mikie’s focus on driving an agenda that expands opportunity, that lowers barriers and brings real accountability to government,” Caldwell said.

He said he intends to focus on three key priorities:

“Safety is our No. 1 priority in all communities. To be safe when you’re voting, to be safe when you’re living and to be safe when you’re enjoying the many benefits of New Jersey. And there’s a whole bunch more, with the secretary of the Department of State. But I'm just so excited to get to work.” he said.

Sherrill is expected to announce additional cabinet positions in the coming weeks.