President-elect Barack Obama chose Leon Panetta to head the CIA because "he brings decades of experience in government in both the legislative and executive branches," a former CIA official told FOX News.

This person described Panetta as a "very competent leader and manager..." who has "tremendous integrity and gravitas." He is "what the agency needs," this former official said." He will be a force to be reckoned with inside and outside the agency."

Obama's selection of Panetta surprised and dismayed several individuals in the intelligence community because he has no experience in the intelligence world. But as former President Bill Clinton's chief of staff, he had considerable access to intelligence information and knows how the community operates.

The former official said this in part makes Panetta more familiar with intelligence than people say.

If confirmed, Panetta, 70, will become the oldest person to become CIA director, a position considered to be extremely rigorous.

Despite Panetta's inexperience, the former CIA official noted that he has a strong intellect and is a quick study. The official also said Panetta will surround himself with career people who can help him get up to speed. In particular, the Obama transition is hoping that three top CIA officials will remain at the agency as Panetta's deputies.

Steve Kappes, the deputy director of the CIA, is seen as a key figure in this regard; one source said Kappes is "being talked to" in hopes he will stay on to help Panetta.

"Leon is a smart guy -- he will need some continuity" at the agency, the former CIA official said.

Sens. Diane Feinstein and Jay Rockefeller, the incoming and outgoing intelligence committee chairmen, wanted Kappes or an intelligence professional chosen for CIA director.

Feinstein's spokesman said the California senator did not receive a phone call about Panetta from anyone in the Obama camp and  learned about the decision from news reports.

A source told FOX News that the news got out before the transition was ready to announce it, and suggested Feinstein would have been consulted at some point. However, it seems as if she would have been informed rather than consulted, inasmuch as they have already chosen Panetta.

The Obama transition is said to be hoping that if Kappes stays on, that will reassure those who wanted to see him as CIA director.

FOX News' Jim Angle contributed to this report.