AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci revealed significant changes in his inner circle Friday afternoon – and there could be more to come.

Jack Cashman, current commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, will return to the governor’s office as a senior economic adviser. Cashman worked in the governor’s office during the first term before being appointed to lead DECD.

“In naming Jack to this position, we bring one of the best cheerleaders for business in Maine into the governor’s office,” Baldacci said. “Moving Jack back into the governor’s office is in line with our increasing emphasis on economic development.”

Out as his chief legal counsel is Tom Federle. In is Michael Mahoney, a partner with Preti Flaherty who has served as the general counsel for the Maine Democratic Party. Mahoney has represented a range of clients in his private practice, including the Maine Press Association and the Maine Daily Newspaper Publishers Association. The Sun Journal is a member of both groups.

In addition to other duties, Mahoney will focus on utilities and expanding broadband access around the state, Baldacci said.

Federle plans to return to private practice, according to the governor’s office.

Karin Tilberg will join Baldacci’s staff as a senior policy adviser. Tilberg is currently the deputy commissioner of the Department of Conservation and has served as the Maine director for the Northern Forest Alliance. She is an environmental lawyer.

Ryan Low will fill the vacant position of deputy chief of staff. Low is currently the state budget officer. Previously, he was the associate commissioner for the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. Low will function as a liaison between the governor’s office and the Legislature on big issues, including property tax relief, Baldacci said Friday, while also adding expertise on the state budget.

Current Baldacci aides Alan Stearns and Dick Davies will leave the governor’s office and head to new assignments within state government. Those positions have not been announced. Stearns work focused on economic development and transportation. Davis is a former member of the Maine House of Representatives, serving from 1972 until 1982 and was the chairman of the Energy and Public Utilities committees.

Not announced on Friday but also leaving Baldacci’s staff is Beth Nagusky, the director of Energy Independence and Security. No replacement has been named.

The shake-up isn’t likely to end with the announcements Friday. More changes in the Cabinet are probable, but won’t be announced until mid-December. That’s also when Cashman’s replacement is expected to be named.

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