Attorney Nandita Berry has been appointed the Secretary of State for Texas by governor Rick Perry, making her the first Indian-American to occupy the post in the southern US state.

In this position, effective January 7 onwards, Nandita Berry will serve as the state’s chief elections officer, the governor’s liaison on border and Mexican affairs, and Texas’ chief protocol officer for state and international matters.

“Nandita Berry personifies what is possible through hard work and dedication in the State of Texas,” Perry said in a statement.