Corbett picks education secretary, insurance head
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HARRISBURG -- Gov.-elect Tom Corbett is rounding out his Cabinet with a new education secretary from Maryland and an insurance commissioner from suburban Harrisburg.
Ronald J. Tomalis, 48, and Michael F. Consedine, 41, were tapped to be education secretary and insurance commissioner, respectively. Both nominations are subject to Senate confirmation.
Mr. Tomalis likely will find himself in the center of debate between advocates of school choice and those who prefer to keep state resources flowing into traditional public schools.
Mr. Tomalis currently is director of Dutko Worldwide/Whiteboard Advisers, where he counsels numerous for-profit and nonprofit education companies, groups and foundations. He has worked on education reform models with local, state and federal officials.
Between 2001 and 2004 he worked for the U.S. Department of Education, and from 1995 to 2001 he was executive deputy secretary of education under former Gov. Tom Ridge.
Mr. Consedine currently is partner and vice chairman of Saul Ewing's Insurance Practice Group. He previously was counsel to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.
"Michael Consedine has a reputation as a smart, creative attorney who works collaboratively and professionally," Mr. Corbett said. "His vast experience and knowledge of the insurance industry and regulations will be a key asset as we move Pennsylvania into the future."
First Published January 14, 2011 12:01 am
