Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane announced Tuesday she has realigned her executive office to strengthen her commitment to public safety by continuing to prosecute drug dealers and child predators, protect consumers, seniors and veterans from fraud, and expose public corruption.
Blake Rutherford has been appointed Chief of Staff, effective December 15. Rutherford, 36, formerly served as Vice President of McLarty Companies, led by former White House Chief of Staff Thomas F. "Mack" McLarty.
Prior to joining McLarty Companies, Rutherford was Chief of Staff to the Attorney General of Arkansas. During his tenure in Arkansas, the office established a Cyber Crimes Unit to fight Internet predators, and developed a wide-ranging Consumer Protection initiative and website intended to protect consumers against scams and fraud.
From 2006 to 2010, Rutherford served as Director of Public Communications at Stone Ward, a full-service advertising and public relations firm. Prior to that, he was an attorney serving in private practice with the firm of Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP. Rutherford is a graduate of Middlebury College and the University of Arkansas School of Law.
He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Jessica Dean, who is the evening news co-anchor of CBS Philly.
"We are excited about adding Blake to our team. He has demonstrated his commitment to public service, and he brings extensive experience that will benefit this office and the Commonwealth in the coming year and beyond," said Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane.
In addition, Attorney General Kane recently appointed Mike Stefan as her Legislative Director and hired Cathryn Hinesley as an Assistant Press Secretary to provide media relations and speech writing.
Renee Martin, who has been Acting Communications Director for several months, will return to her duties as Education and Outreach Director in January. This section of the office is staffed with agents across the state who work to educate Pennsylvanians of all ages about the myriad of services available to them through the Office of Attorney General.
Attorney General Kane has selected a permanent Communications Director and more information about the new director will be announced when the employment process is completed.
Chief Operating Officer David Tyler has accepted a position outside the agency. His last day with the Office of Attorney General is December 12. During his tenure, Tyler provided critical assistance in passage of legislation that expanded the state's prescription monitoring program; modernized operational processes and practices throughout the agency, saving more than $7 million; and created a robust Legislative Affairs office that will continue to serve all Pennsylvanians.
"We thank David for his service and wish him the best of luck in his new position. We look forward to our continued working relationship," she said.
