COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Gov. John Kasich (KAY'-sik) has chosen a former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio staff member to fill an opening on that board.

The Republican announced Friday he's appointing 42-year-old M. Beth Trombold, now at the Ohio Development Services Agency. Her appointment must be confirmed by state senators.

Trombold, of Columbus, was the only woman among four finalists. She was appointed to fill the unexpired term of former Commissioner Cheryl Roberto and then a full term ending in April 2018.

By law, Roberto's seat can't go to a Republican because the party already controls three of five seats.

Democrats criticized Trombold's appointment, pointing to her voting history.

Multiple media outlets report Trombold isn't registered as a Democrat or Republican but voted in GOP primaries in 2000, 2004 and 2006.