Montgomery County Commissioner Chair Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh has issued the following statement on her nomination by Governor-Elect Shapiro as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS):
“I am extremely honored to accept the nomination as the next Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. I look forward to serving alongside Governor-Elect Josh Shapiro and supporting his vision to create a government reflective of the commonwealth. I thank Governor-Elect Shapiro for his support and trust in me to continue my track record of delivering equitable, efficient, and data-driven programs and services to the people of Pennsylvania.”
“DHS provides services to care and support Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable individuals and families. As Secretary I will continue the Department’s critical work to help Pennsylvanians lead safe, healthy, and productive lives through trauma-informed services. As a physician of more than two decades in Philadelphia teaching hospitals, an advocate for the Affordable Care Act, and the head of Pennsylvania’s third-largest county for nearly 8 years, I am fully prepared to lead the Commonwealth’s largest government agency.”
“My experience as both a physician and public health professional continues to inform my work. It was front and center as I shepherded Montgomery County’s efforts to combat the COVID 19 pandemic through a data and science driven response, focusing on clear communication and transparency. Throughout my career I have worked in partnership with communities, service providers and other stakeholders to create policies to improve services for children, Veterans, and seniors; tackle the opioid epidemic; address maternal health disparities; and protect reproductive rights. As Secretary of DHS, I will continue to work in service to all Pennsylvanians.”
Arkoosh was initially appointed to the position of Montgomery County Commissioner in January 2015 to fill the vacancy left by former-commissioner Leslie Richards, who resigned to join PennDOT. She was re-elected to the position for a four year term in November 2015, and again in November 2019.
During her time as a Montgomery County Commissioner, she served with then-commissioner Josh Shapiro, until he left office after being elected to the position of Pennsylvania Attorney General.
Arkoosh announced her bid in April 2022 for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the retirement of Republican Pat Toomey, however she closed her campaign prior to the May Primary Election and the seat was ultimately won by Lt. Gov. John Fetterman.
See also:
Democrat Josh Shapiro Elected Governor of Pennsylvania, Defeating Republican Doug Mastriano
Coronavirus: Where We Stand, Where We’re Heading And What The ‘New Normal’ Will Look Like
Arkoosh To Join Montgomery Township Officials For Town Hall Livestream On Wednesday
