Gov. Robert Bentley on Wednesday announced Andalusia’s Seth Hammett has been appointed to serve in the Bentley Administration as interim chief of staff.

“Seth and I have worked together for many years, dating back to my time in the Alabama Legislature. He is a proven leader with a strong record of public service. He served as my Interim ADO Director, and I look forward to Seth joining my team again to continue our mission of job creation for the people of Alabama,” Gov. Bentley said.

Hammett replaces David Perry, who announced in staff and cabinet meetings Wednesday morning he had accepted a new job in Birmingham in large part to be closer to his family.

Hammett was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1978, and was elected Speaker in 1999. He served as Speaker for 12 years, before retiring in 2010. Bentley appointed Hammett as interim Director of the Alabama Development Office (ADO) in 2011, and he served for six months. Hammett led Alabama’s economic development efforts, and chaired the Alabama Economic Development Alliance, which helped create the strategic economic development plan, Accelerate Alabama.

“Through the years, Gov. Bentley and I have developed a close friendship and a relationship built on trust and respect. I am honored that he, once again, has asked me to join his administration. I appreciate his confidence and look forward to the opportunity to serve and work on the challenges that lie ahead,” Seth Hammett said.

Gov. Bentley praised current chief of staff David Perry for his service to the state. Perry began in the Bentley Administration as the governor’s Finance Director before being appointed chief of staff in August of 2011.

“David Perry has been a loyal and dedicated member of my administration, serving as Finance Director and Chief of Staff,” Gov. Robert Bentley said. “He is one of the hardest working people I have in my administration, and has helped get through some of the most difficult issues we’ve faced. David made service to the people of Alabama his top priority. David and Seth have worked together over the last few weeks to ensure a smooth transition. I appreciate David’s public service to my administration, and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career.”

Hammett’s appointment is effective May 19, 2014.