HARRISBURG, Pa., April 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today named Katie True, of Lancaster County, to lead the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs within the Pennsylvania Department of State.

As commissioner, True will oversee the state's professional and occupational hearing boards. The bureau provides administrative and legal support for all of the state's licensing boards – which oversee professionals from medical doctors to accountants and funeral directors – while protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public from fraudulent and unethical practitioners.

True served 16 years in the state House of Representatives, earning a reputation as a strong advocate for children and families across Pennsylvania. She served on numerous House committees, including the professional licensure, judiciary, consumer affairs, plus health and human services.

"Katie True's familiarity with the licensing boards as a state representative combined with her reputation for good government oversight make her an excellent choice for this role,'' Corbett said.

True also served as executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women and was youth director for a statewide drug and alcohol prevention coalition, Pennsylvania AWARE. She began her career in public service when she founded Kids Saving Kids, a nationally recognized drug-education program for elementary students.

She and her husband, Peter, have six children, including three sons and three stepsons.

For more information about the Department of State, visit www.dos.state.pa.us.

Media contact:  Janet Kelley, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor