WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Gov. George Pataki has recruited a former key aide to Vice President Dick Cheney -- the latest sign the New York Republican is strongly considering a presidential run.

Kara Ahern, who previously served as political director to Cheney, has been named the finance director of Pataki's 21st Century Freedom Political Action Committee. Ahern also served as the Northeast finance director for the Bush Cheney '04 campaign and most recently was deputy campaign manager and finance director for Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kerry Healy's gubernatorial campaign.

"Kara Ahern is one of the brightest and most talented people I have had the opportunity to work with as I've traveled across the nation supporting Republican candidates," Pataki said Thursday in a statement.

Pataki, who is set to wrap up his third term as Governor of New York, has acknowledged he is considering a run for the White House.