NASHVILLE (AP) - Gov. Bill Haslam has appointed Larry Martin interim commissioner of the Department of Finance and Administration.

The 65-year-old Martin will succeed Commissioner Mark Emkes, who retires May 31.

Larry Martin joined Haslam's staff as a special assistant a year ago. He worked alongside Human Resources Commissioner Rebecca Hunter to implement civil service reform.

From September 2006 to December 2011, Martin served as deputy to the mayor in Knoxville for both Haslam and Mayor Daniel Brown.

The search for a permanent replacement is ongoing.