By David Madden

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Some changes are coming to the agency that helps to drive economic development in New Jersey and officials insist politics has nothing to do with it.

Caren Franzini is stepping down after two decades as CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

Her replacement, Michele Brown is a top aide to Governor Christie.

She focused on prosecuting white collar crime while Gov. Christie was the U. S. Attorney, but left the office after three years amid questions over a loan Christie gave her. Authority chairman Al Koeppe says the Governor’s office suggested they give Brown a look but no one applied any political pressure.

“My job is, and was, to find the best player on the field and, in this case, I think this woman has those qualities,” says Governor Chrisite.

Brown will earn $225,000 a year when she moves into her new position in the fall.