Gov. Jeb. Bush named the 61-year-old consultant, lobbyist and former retailer to the post, citing his broad experience in community and public service. Bush is expected to swear in Donegan, a staunch Republican, by Feb. 19.

Donegan replaces Rich Crotty who takes over as as Orange County chairman. Former chairman Mel Martinez resigned to accept President George W. Bush's offer to be Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Developmen.

Donegan is no stranger to the local political and commercial turf but he will have a way to go before he can top Crotty's crowning achievement of placing all county property information online three years ago. Still, Donegan isn't planning to be a short-term appraiser. He says he will run for the four-year post in the regular 2002 election.