HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The U.S. Senate has confirmed former Montana labor commissioner Keith Kelly as assistant secretary of labor for veterans' employment and training.

The Senate confirmed Kelly on Tuesday. In his new role, Kelly will run the Labor Department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana says Kelly's experience as a veteran and state labor commissioner will serve him well in his new role.

Montana Department of Labor and Industry spokeswoman Casey Kyler-West says Monday was Kelly's last day with the state agency.

Gov.-elect Steve Bullock has named Pam Bucy as the next head of the Department of Labor and Industry when he takes office Monday. Until then, Chief Information Officer George Parisot has assumed Kelly's duties.