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COLUMBIA (WACH, AP) -- Gov. Nikki Haley has named a Republican activist and aide to her predecessor to lead South Carolina's economic advisory board.

Haley announced Monday that Chad Walldorf of Sullivan's Island is the next chairman of the Board of Economic Advisors.

Walldorf was vice-chairman of Haley's transition team. He co-founded the Sticky Fingers restaurant chain and was Gov. Mark Sanford's deputy chief of staff for two years. Walldorf also helped form ReformSC to help Sanford take on legislators who didn't support his agenda.

“There is considerable work ahead of us given our state’s difficult budget situation,” Walldorf said.  “However, I am encouraged by the team Governor Haley has put together and her vision for conservative reform that she is implementing.  I look forward to working with the members of the BEA and Budget and Control Board to help put our fiscal house back in order.”

The conservative group bought television ads last spring promoting Haley in the Republican primary. Walldorf also helped create the South Carolina Club for Growth. He is chairman of its political action committee, which endorsed Haley.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)