Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

The secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is the head of the Pennsylvania Department of State, a cabinet-level agency. The secretary of the commonwealth (equivalent to "secretary of state") is appointed by the governor, subject to confirmation by the State Senate. The current secretary is Republican Al Schmidt, who was appointed by governor Josh Shapiro.

Responsibilities

The Pennsylvania Department of State protects the public's health, safety, and welfare by licensing more than one million business, health, and real estate professionals; maintaining registration and financial information for thousands of charities soliciting contributions from Pennsylvanians; overseeing Pennsylvania's electoral process; maintaining corporate filings; and sanctioning professional boxing, kickÃ¢ÂÂboxing and wrestling in the commonwealth.

The secretary is the keeper of the Great Seal of the Commonwealth and authenticates government documents through the seal's use. The secretary is also the commonwealth's chief election official.

Structure of the Department of State

The Pennsylvania Department of State consists of six bureaus:

Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations
Bureau of Finance and Operations
Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation
Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs
Bureau of Commissions, Elections, and Legislation
State Athletic Commission

Boards and commissions

Chairman of the Pennsylvania Election Reform Task Force
Chairman of the Navigation Commission for the Delaware River and Its Navigable Tributaries
The Board of Finance and Revenue
The Board of Property
The Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement Board
The State Athletic Commission
The Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness
The Lobbying Disclosure Regulations Committee

List of secretaries of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Notes

References

External links

Pennsylvania Secretary of State, Ballotpedia: The Encyclopedia of American Politics