Pennsylvania's deputy secretary for technology investment, Richard Overmoyer, is stepping down to join local lobbying firm GSP Consulting.

The 35-year-old Erie native has worked for the state Department of Community and Economic Development since 2001, initially under the administration of former Gov. Tom Ridge.

Overmoyer was appointed to his deputy secretary role under Dennis Yablonsky, Gov. Ed Rendell's choice as the state's leading economic development executive, and has focused on tech-based economic development initiatives. These have included managing $82 million in annual appropriations dedicated to shoring up the state's technology industry.

Since its inception in 2001, hot-shot firm GSP has made a name for itself as "anti-lobbyists" representing young technology companies and nonprofits in state capitals and Washington, D.C.

The South Side firm, which also has offices in Philadelphia, Cleveland, Tampa, Fla., Ann Arbor, Mich., and New Orleans, was founded by principals John Dick and Joe Kuklis, both former staffers of U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, R-Pa.

Kuklis said Overmoyer, who will join GSP on Aug. 1, will add his extensive economic development expertise to the firm's portfolio.

Overmoyer's exit marks the second departure in as many days of a key development official who has done much to promote the region. On Wednesday, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance President Ronnie Bryant announced he was leaving to accept a similar post in Charlotte, N.C.

Overmoyer, who is prohibited from bringing clients before the state Department of Community and Economic Development for one year, said his initial focus will be on helping GSP sell its services to regions interested in growing their tech sectors.

"Rich has done this stuff," Kuklis said, referring to Overmoyer's work spearheading the creation of the Rendell administration's Keystone Innovation Zone program, an initiative geared toward commercializing university technology and creating new companies. Overmoyer also helped with a state program allowing small companies to trade their research and development tax credits for cash.

"Rich was a tremendous ally for this region's tech efforts in Harrisburg," said Don Smith, director of economic development at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. "He really understood what we as a region are trying to do to promote tech."

Overmoyer's relationship with the Rendell administration also will be a boon for the 16-person firm, heavily populated by Republicans, although Kuklis said that was low on the firm's priority list. "He knows everyone in tech in Pennsylvania --- and [being a Democrat] isn't one of the top 10 reasons that we hired him."

Overmoyer will leave his post at the Department of Community and Economic Development July 15 and will be replaced by Rebecca Bagley, who is currently the department's director of venture investment.