AUGUSTA – Crystal Canney, an investigative reporter for WGME-TV news in Portland, is switching careers to become press secretary for Gov. John Baldacci.

Canney of Portland is to start in her new role Dec. 12. Canney, who accepted the offer Monday, will replace Lynn Kippax, who left the governor’s press office last month to become spokesman for the state Department of Health and Human Services. She was chosen from a field of five finalists seeking the position.

“We have noticed her as a television reporter being very interested in the issues impacting everyday people,” said Lee Umphrey, the governor’s director of communications. “The governor liked that connection with people.”

Canney, who is originally from Old Town, started in television at WABI in Bangor in 1985 and has been with WGME for more than a decade. She said she’s been considering a career move for about a year

The top of the pay scale for the job is $70,000.