Office of Senate President Pro-Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-25)
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) today announced that Megan Totino Consedine will serve as Acting Secretary/Parliamentarian for the State Senate, effective May 21. Pending confirmation by the full Senate, she will be the first woman in Pennsylvania to serve as Secretary/Parliamentarian.
As an elected officer of the Senate, the Secretary/Parliamentarian supervises an extensive array of offices and services essential to the day-to-day operations of the Senate, including legislative, financial and administrative functions. The Secretary is also integral during Senate Session and oversees a staff of approximately 80 Senate employees, including those in the Secretary’s Office, Senate Library, bill room, page room and other departments.
“We conducted a very rigorous three-month search for this position and interviewed numerous qualified candidates,” Scarnati said. “Megan Totino Consedine stood out because of her experience in both the executive and judicial branches and an extensive resume that demonstrates her wide range of knowledge and independence.”
Totino Consedine said, “I am humbled by the opportunity to serve the Senate and excited to take on this new challenge.”
“I look forward to building strong working relationships with all 50 members and meeting with each of the members personally in the coming weeks,” she said. “My goal will be to continue the policy of openness and cooperation that the Senate leaders have established.”
Totino Consedine most recently served as a Deputy General Counsel in the Governor’s Office of General Counsel where she served as counsel to the Commonwealth, the Governor and the executive and independent agencies that manage the business of the Commonwealth, specializing in transactional and regulatory matters. She also served as an assistant counsel to the Department of the Navy and a special assistant to former Governor Tom Ridge, where she was responsible for strategic planning and policy development. Totino Consedine has also served as an adjunct professor at Widener University School of Law and Harrisburg Area Community College.
Totino Consedine received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and her law degree from Widener University School of Law in Harrisburg.
“Serving as Secretary of the Senate is a position that requires a vast knowledge of the legislative process, respect for the institution and the ability to be fair and even-handed,” Scarnati said. “I am confident Megan possesses these qualities for this very important position and will work well with all the members and staff of the Senate to ensure that our institution continues to operate productively for the people of Pennsylvania.” Totino Consedine will receive a salary of $139,500.
Secretary/Parliamentarian Mark Corrigan announced his retirement last year after serving in the post for 31 years.
“Mark set an exceptional standard for the office by which his successor will be measured,” Scarnati said. “I am certain Megan will carry on that legacy and be a tremendous asset to the Senate of Pennsylvania.”
Read more: http://pasenategop.com/news/2012/0512/scarnati-050112.htm