News Release

Pedro A. Cortes to lead National Association of Secretaries of State

July 30, 2008

Pedro Cortes

Secretary of the Commonwealth and Penn State Harrisburg graduate Pedro A. Cortes has assumed his post as President of the National Association of Secretaries of State, becoming the first Pennsylvanian to serve in that role in the organization’s 104-year history.

“Pedro is a true public servant, and his leadership as secretary of the commonwealth has been an invaluable asset to my administration,” said Governor Edward G. Rendell in making the announcement. “His energy and commitment to working with our sister states will benefit the nation by strengthening business services as well as addressing election matters during this high profile election year.”

Cortes, who served as Penn State Harrisburg’s Alumni Fellow in 2005, earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the college in 2000 and a juris doctor from Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law in 1999.

In addition to enhancing business services and election administration, Cortes and the NASS executive board will oversee the association’s activities for the coming year, including work on securities issues and international relations.

Cortes previously served the association as president-elect from 2007-08, treasurer from 2006-07, and as eastern region vice president in 2004 and 2005. He has been an active member since being appointed Secretary of the Commonwealth in 2003.