PROVIDENCE — The R.I. Board of Governors for Higher Education has appointed Steve J. Maurano as interim commissioner of higher education until a permanent replacement is found for former Commissioner Jack R. Warner.

Maurano, who has an extensive background in corporate communications and public affairs, has served as associate commissioner since November 2006 and had been Warner’s “right-hand man” who is familiar with the workings of the Office of Higher Education, said board chairman Frank Caprio, a municipal court judge in Providence.

Maurano is not a candidate for the permanent appointment, in part, because he does not meet some of the qualifications, which include holding a doctorate degree.

Warner, who was appointed the state’s commissioner of higher education in 2002, left the job this week to become executive director of the public higher education system in South Dakota. Warner’s annual salary in Rhode Island was about $135,000. In South Dakota, he will earn $323,000.

“With so many long-time education leaders in Rhode Island retiring or stepping down at the same time, the board felt that it was important to provide some continuity,” Caprio said in a statment. “Steve has been actively engaged in many of the major issues facing the system of public higher education since joining former Commissioner Warner’s team about three years ago, and the Board felt he was the best choice to guide the system until a new and permanent commissioner is named.”

Caprio said the board already has compiled numerous permanent candidates after posting the position in several national publications.

He said initial interviews are scheduled for July 21 and 22. Finalists will be selected in August, with an appointment expected some time in September.