Wolf names McGinty chief of staff

HARRISBURG - Gov.-elect Tom Wolf has named a former state environmental protection secretary as his chief of staff.

In his first appointment since winning election, Wolf said Kathleen "Katie" McGinty would be his top aide. McGinty, 51, of Wayne, was among three candidates who ran against Wolf in the Democratic primary.

A graduate of St. Joseph's University, she served as the head of the environmental agency under Gov. Ed Rendell, and also held posts in the White House during the Clinton administration.

Since then McGinty has worked in the private sector, leading global business projects in clean energy and environmental cleanup efforts.

Shortly after winning the primary, Wolf named her to lead his campaign political action committee, Fresh Start.

Wolf, who takes office Jan. 20, praised McGinty's "broad experience" in public service.

"Katie worked with diverse interests to achieve meaningful change in difficult environments," he said in a statement. "Her experience will help me work with Republicans and Democrats to move Pennsylvania forward."

McGinty said she was thrilled to return to Harrisburg in her new role. "I look forward rolling up my sleeves with the legislature, wrestling with the tough issues, and finding common ground," she said.

McGinty has been among those considered as a potential 2016 challenger to Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.). But she said she was "fully consumed" with helping Wolf launch his administration.