HARRISBURG - Sens. Judy Schwank (D-11) and Dave Argall (R-29) today announced the appointment of Dr. Edward B. Michalik, Jr. to serve as a public member of Pennsylvania's State Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators.

Michalik was unanimously confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate to a four-year term on the board, which oversees the licensure and professional standards of nursing home administrators across the commonwealth.

"Dr. Michalik has tremendous experience and is no stranger to public service," Schwank said. "I had the privilege of working with him while I was a county commissioner. He's served Berks County in a variety of roles, including as the executive director of the Berks County Area Agency on Aging. I always admired his professionalism and competence, and I have no doubt that those qualities will serve him well as a new member of the Pennsylvania State Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators."

"Dr. Michalik has dedicated his career to serving older Pennsylvanians and improving behavioral health services in our communities," Argall said. "His decades of experience in human services, mental health, public safety and aging programs make him exceptionally qualified for this important role. I was proud to support his appointment."

Michalik currently serves as president and chief executive officer of Threshold Rehabilitation Services, Inc. in Reading. Previously, he served as executive director of the Berks County Area Agency on Aging and held leadership roles within the county's mental health and developmental disabilities programs for more than two decades.

A licensed psychologist, Michalik earned a doctoral degree in psychology from Immaculata University, a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Scranton, and a bachelor's degree in human services from the University of Scranton.

Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in public safety initiatives, crisis intervention training and community service organizations across Berks County. He has also served as a member of Shillington Borough Council, the Governor Mifflin School Board, and numerous nonprofit and professional organizations.

"I consider it a privilege to have been appointed to this board as it is yet another way I can contribute to the commonwealth and my community, while supporting the goal of ensuring quality of care to our senior citizens," said Michalik.