Josh Dobson, a McDowell County commissioner, has been appointed to fill the vacancy in the state House left by former Rep. Mitch Gillespie, officials said Tuesday.

Gillespie resigned last month to become an assistant secretary at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. He had represented District 85 for more than a decade.

Dobson’s career includes work in public safety, budgeting and finance, and most recently in a leadership role in the community college system. A native of McDowell County, he graduated from Avery County High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Gardner-Webb University and a master’s degree from Appalachian State University.

“Rep.-elect Dobson has a lot of work ahead of him to replace Mitch Gillespie,” House Speaker Thom Tillis said in a statement. “While Rep. Gillespie is missed in the House, we are confident his new role will give him the opportunity to further impact the state. I am eager to work with Josh Dobson, and I have no doubt that he will be an effective advocate for his constituents and will play an important role in the North Carolina House of Representatives.”

Dobson is married with one daughter.