Congrats to our own Ron Tomalis, who was nominated today by Governor-elect Corbett to serve as Pennsylavnia'sSecretary of Education. I've had the pleasure to work with Ron in a number of roles over the last 16 years and know he'll bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the job. He is also one of the few individuals with both state and federal education policy experience, which gives him a unique perspective on a number of policy issues. That will be useful in not just implementing the Governor's aggressive education reform agenda, but also shaping state roles and responsibilities in ESEA reauthorization.
Congratulations again to Ron!
Gov.-elect Corbett
For Immediate Release: Contact: Kevin Harley
717-237-7351
Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011
Gov.-elect Corbett to nominate Ronald J. Tomalis as Secretary of Education and Michael F. Consedine as Insurance Commissioner
HARRISBURG - Gov.-elect Tom Corbett today announced that he intends to nominate Ronald J. Tomalis, 48, of Clarksville, Md., as Secretary of Education and Michael F. Consedine, 41, of Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, as Insurance Commissioner.
Ronald J. Tomalis
Corbett said that Tomalis is currently Director at Dutko Worldwide/Whiteboard Advisors, where he is the principle adviser to numerous nonprofit education groups and foundations, along with for-profit education related companies.
In this position, Tomalis also works with local, state and federal education officials and organizations to develop and execute initiatives that drive education reform.
Prior to working at Dutko Worldwide, Tomalis held various senior management, policy, and operational positions in federal and state government. From 2001 to 2004, Tomalis worked for the United States Department of Education, where he managed the implementation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as well as the $25 billion Title I/II programs.
From 1995 to 2001, Tomalis served as Executive Deputy Secretary of Education under Governor Tom Ridge.
Tomalis also served as counselor to the United States Secretary of Education and as Acting Assistant Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Prior to joining the United States Department of Education, he was the Executive Deputy Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where he took on the role of Chief Operating Officer for the department.
“Ron Tomalis brings a tremendous knowledge and understanding of education policy and procedures on both the state and federal levels, along with experience in the private sector,” Corbett said. “His expertise will be valuable as we focus on how to best serve the education needs of the children of Pennsylvania.”
The mission of the Pennsylvania Department of Education is to assist the General Assembly, the Governor, and Pennsylvania educators in providing for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of education.
Tomalis received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Dickinson College.
Tomalis and his wife, Elizabeth, have been married for 22 years and are the parents of three daughters, Anna, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 13, Megan, age 11, and Julia, age 8.
Michael F. Consedine
Corbett said that Consedine is currently Partner and Vice Chair of Saul Ewing’s Insurance Practice Group and has been with the firm for 12 years, concentrating his practice on regulatory and corporate matters involving insurance companies, reinsurers, producers, policyholders and other insurance entities.
Prior to joining Saul Ewing, Consedine was Counsel for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, where he represented the department in federal, state and administrative litigation proceedings. In this position, Consedine provided legal advice and assistance in complex transactional filings made with the department and represented the department in several landmark enforcement actions against insurance companies engaged in illegal geographic discrimination.
“Michael Consedine has a reputation as a smart, creative attorney who works collaboratively and professionally,” 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.”
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department administers the laws of the Commonwealth as they pertain to the regulation of the insurance industry in order to protect insurance consumers. The Commissioner also oversees Pennsylvania’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Catastrophic Loss Benefits Continuation Fund, Workers' Compensation Security Fund and The Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Fund (Mcare), among other programs and initiatives.
Consedine received his bachelor’s degree in political science and journalism at James Madison University and his J.D. from Widener University School of Law.
Consedine resides in Mechanicsburg, PA with his fiancée Susanne Mumma, and his children Maura and Jack from a prior marriage.
###
DUTKO WORLDWIDE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tim Gay (202) 484-4884
Dutko Education Practice Member Appointed Pennsylvania Secretary of Education
Washington, D.C., January 13, 2011 - Pennsylvania Governor-Elect Tom Corbett announced today that he has selected Ron Tomalis, a Director in the Education Practice of Dutko Worldwide, to serve as his Secretary of Education.
Ron has been an integral component of the Dutko education team, a unique bipartisan practice that prides itself in helping education entrepreneurs, philanthropies and investors. The practice group, which launched its Whiteboard Advisors consulting business last year, has achieved national prominence for its cutting-edge policy research and analysis, including its monthly Education Insider publication.
“One of the great things about a business like Dutko is that we attract talent with impressive government experience and unique insight into politics and policy. Ron’s departure illustrates how often, that talent is recruited back into public services,” said Craig Pattee, President of Dutko Worldwide. “Although it is bittersweet to see Ron go, we’re proud of his commitment to public service and wish him the very best in tackling this important challenge.”
Ron had this to say about his transition, “It was a great privilege to work with the high quality team here at Dutko and with a group of education clients that are doing tremendous work for the children in our country.”
Tomalis has a rich and varied experience in education policy and innovation at both the federal and state levels. At the U.S. Department of Education, Ron oversaw implementation of key provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Ron also served as Counselor to United States Secretary of Education, Rod Paige. Prior to joining the United States Department of Education, Tomalis was the Executive Deputy Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where he took on the role of Chief Operating Officer for the department in former Governor Tom Ridge’s administration.
Tomalis joins notable Dutko alumni that have transitioned back to public service including Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) and Terry Branstad, who was recently elected Governor of Iowa. More recently, Dutko Principal Gary Andres took the top position on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, where he will serve as a key advisor to the Speaker on healthcare reform.
Dutko Worldwide
Dutko Worldwide provides comprehensive government affairs management and strategic counsel and helps build public-private partnerships with federal, state and international levels of government. Dutko Worldwide is also annually listed as a top firm by Roll Call, Legal Times, National Journal and The Hill.
# # #
Read more
