New head of PA Dept. of Health

Governor Ed Rendell has selected a replacement to head the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Governor Ed Rendell has selected a replacement to head the state Department of Health.

Spokesman Chuck Ardo said Everette James has advised the governor on health issues since 2007.

“Prior to that Everette has had an enormous amount of managerial and government experience in Washington. The governor believed that he would be a perfect fit at this point in time when we are trying to make serious changes to the health care system,” Ardo said.

The 46-year-old attorney served in the Clinton administration and practiced health care and regulatory law. If the state Senate confirms the governor’s selection, James would be the third state health secretary who is not a doctor.

Governor Rendell has worked to distinguish his administration by pushing for health reforms, and Ardo said James will continue that agenda.

“Across the board this administration has been involved in health care issues and Everette James is perfectly suited to pick up the baton and run the final lap,” Ardo said.

James takes the helm Monday as the secretary-designee.