Newly elected Orange / Osceola County State Attorney Jeff Ashton has appointed Linda Drane Burdick as his chief assistant state attorney, according to a release.

Burdick, who was also a part of the Casey Anthony prosecution team in July 2011 with Ashton, will begin her position when Ashton takes office on January 8, 2013.

"When I considered these factors, my choice was clear," Ashton wrote in a release. "I am proud to announce that I have asked Linda Drane Burdick to serve as my Chief Assistant."

Ashton said additional members of the leadership team will be announced at a future date.

Ashton was elected over his former boss State Attorney Lawson Lamar in the August with more than 54 percent of the vote. Lamar was elected to the 9th Judicial State Attorney's office in 1988.