Pence Picks Son of Campaign Chief to Head Commerce Dept.

Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Pence has named the son of his campaign chairman to help lead the state's job-creation efforts.

Pence announced Thursday his pick of Victor Smith to become secretary of the state's Department of Commerce. Pence says Smith's experience as a business executive will help in selling Indiana to both domestic and overseas companies.

Smith is the son of Muncie industrialist Van Smith, who was Pence's campaign chairman and is a member of his transition team.

Pence also named Fort Wayne businessman Eric Doden the new CEO of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. Doden has worked with a private equity firm based in Fort Wayne and previously was investment director of Ambassador Enterprises.

Pence will be sworn in on Monday as Indiana's new governor.