Gov.-elect Tom Corbett announced today 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.
