RALEIGH, N.C. – An editor with the News & Observer of Raleigh will become a deputy secretary at the North Carolina Transportation Department to lead communications efforts.

Transportation Secretary Gene Conti on Monday announced the appointment of Ted Vaden as deputy secretary for communications.

Conti said he obtained permission from Gov. Beverly Perdue to create the position, despite a hiring freeze imposed last fall. The new position was recommended by a consultant to help make the agency more efficient and accountable to the public.

Vaden will supervise a staff of about 20 employees and will earn $117,403 in the new post.

Vaden has been the public editor for the newspaper since 2004.