There was a time when Plale was considered quite a rising star.

The state’s railroad commissioner resigned Monday, a month after state records showed he took minimal disciplinary action against state workers who were having sex in public buildings.

Gov. Scott Walker announced Tuesday he has appointed Yash Wadhwa, an engineer with 44 years of civil, environmental and transportation consulting experience, to take the position effective Jan. 11. His appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. He replaces Jeff Plale, who resigned effective Monday.