Governor-elect nominates secretaries of education, insurance

Governor-elect Tom Corbett continued to fill out his administration Thursday, nominating individuals to lead the state Department of Education and Department of Insurance.

Michael Consedine

Mr. Corbett nominated another member of the politically-connected Saul Ewing LLP law firm to lead the state Department of Insurance.

Michael Consedine, Mr. Corbett’s nominee, is currently a partner and vice chair of the important Philadelphia law firm. He has been with the firm for 12 years.

“Michael Consedine has a reputation as a smart, creative attorney who works collaboratively and professionally,” said Mr. Corbett. “His vast experience and knowledge of the insurance industry and regulations will be a key asset as we move Pennsylvania into the future.”

Mr. Consedine will join current Saul Ewing Chairman Stephen Aichele in the Corbett Administration. Mr. Aichele was named the administration’s general counsel Wednesday. Carol Aichele, Mr. Aichele’s wife, has been nominated as Secretary of the Commonwealth.

The law firm has donated more than $42,000 to Mr. Corbett’s gubernatorial campaign since 2009, according to the Department of State. Mr. Consedine has not contributed personally to Mr. Corbett.

The Insurance Department administers the regulation of the insurance industry. The department also oversees the Pennsylvania Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Catastrophic Loss Benefits Continuation Fund, worker’s compensation and the M-Care fund, which helps doctors cover the cost of malpractice insurance.

For his secretary of education, Mr. Corbett is reaching back to the administration of former Gov. Tom Ridge.

Ronald Tomalis

Mr. Corbett nominated Ronald Tomalis, former executive deputy secretary of education under Mr. Ridge 1995 to 2001. Since then, Mr. Tomalis has served as counselor to the U.S. Secretary of Education, and as acting assistant secretary of education.

Currently, Mr. Tomalis is director of Dutko Worldwide/Whiteboard Advisors, where he is advisor to nonprofit education groups and foundations.

“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,” said Mr. Corbett. “His expertise will be valuable as we focus on how to best serve the education needs of the children of Pennsylvania.”

Education reform and increasing school choice are early priorities of the Corbett Administration, and Mr. Tomalis bring with him the experience of Mr. Ridge’s attempt to implement school choice in the mid-1990s.

Two state senators have already introduced legislation – S.B. 1 in the new session – which would expand school choice to the state’s poorest kids in the worst public schools.

Both Mr. Consedine and Mr. Tomalis must be confirmed by the state Senate.