A month before taking office, President-elect Barack Obama completed his Cabinet on Friday, naming officials to oversee transportation, labor, trade and small business policy. He noted his speed on putting his economic team in place, saying he had done so at an earlier point than previous presidents because of the magnitude of the country's troubles. He warned that the economy "will get worse before it gets better. But it will get better." He disclosed the latest members on the eve of a Hawaiian vacation. Here's a look at the candidates, who must be confirmed by the Senate: transportation

REP. RAY LAHOOD, R-ILL.

Beyond overseeing public works, retiring Rep. Ray LaHood's challenges as transportation chief also will include dealing with a financially strapped highway trust fund, which pays for roads and bridge projects nationwide. The 63-year-old grandson of a Lebanese immigrant, LaHood is seen as a moderate. "Ray's appointment reflects that bipartisan spirit -- a spirit we need to reclaim in this country to make progress for the American people," Obama said.

LABOR

REP. HILDA SOLIS, D-CALIF.

Rep. Hilda Solis, the daughter of Mexican and Nicaraguan immigrants, has focused on immigration and environmental issues while in the House. "Under her leadership, I am confident that the Department of Labor will once again stand up for working families," said Obama, who added that one of Solis' jobs would be "making our unions strong."

U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

RON KIRK

Former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk said Friday that as U.S. trade representative he will seek to promote trade as a way to create U.S. jobs as well as encourage development abroad. It will be a delicate balancing act for the 44-year-old, known for his political moderation and evenhandedness. Kirk was the first black elected Dallas' mayor. He resigned in 2001 to run for U.S. Senate but lost to Republican John Cornyn.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

KAREN MILLS

Venture capitalist Karen Mills is a founding partner of the New York-based equity firm Solera Capital and has been an adviser to Maine Gov. John Baldacci on economic matters.

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