Rick Scott Tabs Craig Nichols to Head Management Services

Craig J. Nichols, a human resources business executive with three decades of experience, was named Friday to be the next secretary of the Department of Management Services -- the state's human resources department -- by Gov. Rick Scott.

Nichols replaces Jack Miles who resigned from the $140,000-a-year post at the end of March.

Miles, appointed by Scott in January 2011, has said he promised Scott he would serve for the governors first two legislative sessions.

Nichols, who has been an independent consultant since 2010, previously served as vice president of human resources and chief compliance officer for Republic Services from 2000 to 2009.

As we work during the next two years to launch major productivity and efficiency initiatives, Craig will bring to the agency a combination of large-organization experience, strong operational and strategic focus, and executive leadership, Scott stated in a release. I am confident his corporate experience will ensure state government remains focused on making Florida the best state for the private sector to grow and create jobs.

Nichols, whose resume also includes time at Lexis-Nexis, Whirpool Corp., Shell Oil and Frito-Lay Inc., starts with the state on July 9.