Taps Eli Avila of Long Island to lead department

Governor-elect Tom Corbett announced Tuesday he would nominate Eli Avila to be Secretary of Health.

Mr. Avila currently serves as chief deputy commissioner of the Suffolk County (N.Y.) Department of Health Services. He is also co-chair of the New York State Bar Association’s Medical Research and Biotechnology Committee.

Mr. Corbett said he selected Mr. Avila for his experience as an executive, a doctor and a lawyer.

“His expertise and leadership will be a valuable resource to the Corbett-Cawley administration and to the people of Pennsylvania,” said Mr. Corbett in a statement.

Mr. Avila will head the state Department of Health, which is responsible for licensing and regulating hospitals, nursing homes and other health care providers. The department also coordinates outreach and educational programs as well as prevention and treatment services.

If confirmed by the state Senate, Mr. Avila will replace acting Secretary of Health Michael K. Huff. Mr. Huff has served in the position since Oct. 1 when he replaced Everette James, who left the Rendell Administration to take a position at the University of Pittsburgh.

Mr. Avila is 51 years old and a graduate of Brown University. He also received his medical degree from Brown and has a law degree from St. John’s University.