Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania’s Statement on Pennsylvania Administration Appointments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Contact: Peri Jude Radecic, Chief Executive Officer
Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania
Phone: (800) 692-7443, Ext. 302
E-Mail:  pradecic@drnpa.org

Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania
Statement on Pennsylvania Administration Appointments

Harrisburg, PA – The Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) welcomes the appointment of Nancy Thaler as the Deputy Secretary of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), Jen Burnett as the new Deputy Secretary of the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), and Steve Suroviec as Special Advisor to the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

Deputy Secretary Thaler will bring years of experience as a former Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary of ODP and as the former Executive Director of the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services.  In those roles, she has developed the skills and knowledge of best practices that can change ODP programs and policies to better serve Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities.  DRN looks forward to working with Deputy Secretary Thaler to stop abuse and neglect, end waiting lists, and close institutions.

Deputy Secretary Burnett has more than 30 years of experience working with publicly-funded, long-term care services and supports.  She formerly served as the Deputy Secretary of OLTL from 2008-2011.  DRN looks forward to working with Deputy Secretary Burnett to close institutions and keep people out of nursing facilities and in their own homes.

Special Advisor Suroviec brings many years of experience in advancing the employment of persons with disabilities.  Prior to serving as the Executive Director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Special Advisor Suroviec was the Executive Director of The Arc of Pennsylvania.  In those roles, he gained valuable experience and insight that will serve him in his new role as he focuses on the employment of people with disabilities for the Secretary of the Department of Human Services.

“I congratulate our newly appointed government officials,” said Peri Jude Radecic, Chief Executive Officer of DRN.  “We look forward to working with them on a range of proposals including increasing home and community-based services, the closure of state institutions, and the full and equal employment of people with disabilities.”

Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh
1-800-692-7443
www.drnpa.org