Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Office Makes Staff Announcements

HARRISBURG - Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39) made the following staff announcements as Chief of Staff Rob Ritson recently accepted a position with UPMC.

"From my time as Hempfield Township Supervisor to my time throughout the Senate and as Senate President Pro Tempore, Rob Ritson has been by my side for the last 23 years," Ward said. "Rob's professionalism and demeanor set an incredible tone for our staff to do important work and made him a go-to person in Harrisburg. We are sad to lose him but glad he will be able to help Pennsylvanians get great quality health care in his next role. I thank Rob and his family and wish them all the best."

Ward also made the announcement of two senior staff members who will be taking enhanced roles. Communications Director Erica Clayton Wright and Director of Legislative Development Adam Pankake in the President Pro Tempore's Office will be elevated to Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff, respectfully.

"Adam Pankake brings nearly two decades of Senate experience including 8 years in leadership" Ward remarked. "Adam's grasp of policy and procedure coupled with his strong relationships with members and ability to work through complex legislative issues will be an asset and continues the long tradition of respect and comity to the institution of the Pennsylvania State Senate. As we grapple with important issues like keeping taxes low, increasing job opportunities, and passing a commonsense budget, Adam will be a key advisor to deliver wins for Pennsylvanians."

"As Senior Advisor, Erica Clayton Wright will continue to lead communications and have far ranging responsibilities which include promoting the Senate Republican priorities," Ward continued. "For more than 20 years, Erica and I have worked side-by-side on important issues like keeping U.S. Steel in Pennsylvania, prioritizing early detection and eliminating out-of-pocket costs associated with breast cancer screenings for high-risk patients, and fighting for working Pennsylvania families. Her knowledge and experience in the private sector, Federal government, and State government is exceptional and will provide strategic guidance and continue to be a great asset for me and our caucus."

Senate District 39 covers Westmoreland County consisting of the cities of Greensburg, Jeannette, Latrobe and Monessen and the townships of Cook, Donegal, East Huntingdon, Hempfield, Mount Pleasant, North Huntingdon, Penn, Rostraver, Salem, Sewickley, South Huntingdon and Unity and the boroughs of Adamsburg, Arona, Delmont, Donegal, Export, Hunker, Irwin, Madison, Manor, Mount Pleasant, Murrysville, New Stanton, North Belle Vernon, North Irwin, Penn, Smithton, South Greensburg, Southwest Greensburg, Sutersville, Trafford (Westmoreland County Portion), West Newton, Youngstown and Youngwood.

MEDIA CONTACT: Erica Clayton Wright [email protected] 412-334-4856