Gov. John Baldacci today announced several personnel changes within his office.

Baldacci named his director of communications, David Farmer, as deputy chief of staff, replacing Ryan Low, who is now the commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. A search is under way for a new director of communications.

Senior Policy Adviser Patrick Ende will replace Mike Mahoney as chief counsel. Mahoney, of Cape Elizabeth left recently to form a private practice.

Deborah Friedman will join Gov. Baldacci's staff as a senior policy Adviser for education, labor, Maine's cultural agencies and other assignments. Since 2004, Friedman has worked as policy director for Senate President Beth Edmonds.

Policy Adviser Lance Boucher is being promoted to senior policy adviser.