Gov. Ned Lamont announced Thursday that he appointed former associate attorney general Mark Kohler as the new Secretary of the State.

Kohler will replace Denise Merrill, who is stepping down to care for her husband who is facing health problems.

Kohler retired earlier this year after serving as an associate attorney general for 30 years in the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General.

In a statement, Lamont praised Kohler for his experience, saying, “Mark is incredibly well-respected as a levelheaded, tactful, and experienced attorney who has a considerable understanding of Connecticut state statutes, particularly those concerning the operations of our elections and government administration.”

Lamont went to say, “The circumstances surrounding the need to fill this vacancy are very unfortunate, but I am pleased that Mark has agreed to step away briefly from his retirement and return to state service."

Kohler will assume the role of Secretary of the State July 11.