Baker Tabs Energy Secretary

Gov.-elect Charlie Baker has named Republican state Rep. Matthew Beaton to serve as his secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

Beaton has represented Shrewsbury in the Massachusetts House of Representatives since 2011. He was re-elected without Democratic opposition earlier this month.

Beaton is a graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute and also earned a master's degree energy and environmental analysis from Boston University. According to his website, he is co-owner of the Beaton Kane Construction company.

Beaton says he hopes to make Massachusetts a national leader in energy efficiency and clean energy development, while also working to confront climate change and other threats.

Beaton is Baker's second cabinet appointment. The Republican governor-elect earlier named Chelsea city manager Jay Ash to serve as Secretary of Housing and Economic Development.