Wolf taps Marcus Brown as homeland security chief

Gov. Tom Wolf has found another spot in his administration for Marcus Brown, whose nomination to lead the Pennsylvania State Police was rejected.

Wolf said Thursday he’s appointing Brown as the state’s homeland security director.

The $145,000-a-year post has been vacant since Wolf took office in January. The appointment does not require Senate confirmation.

The 51-year-old Brown, whose nomination as state police commissioner was scuttled in June by the Senate Republican majority, is a former Maryland state police superintendent and former high-ranking officer in the Baltimore Police Department.

Wolf says Brown will report directly to him on issues involving prevention, response and recovery from acts of terrorism.

He says Brown’s leadership helped make Maryland’s homeland security program a national model.

Brown will start his new job Aug. 17.