Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (or "Secretary of State") administers the Pennsylvania Department of State of the U.S. state (officially, "Commonwealth") of Pennsylvania. The Department protects the public's health, safety and welfare by licensing more than one million business, health and real estate professionals; maintaining registration and financial information for thousands of charities soliciting contributions from Pennsylvanians; overseeing Pennsylvania's electoral process; maintaining corporate filings; and sanctioning professional boxing, kick-boxing and wrestling in the Commonwealth. Unlike many other states (where the office of Secretary of State is an elected position), in Pennsylvania this position is appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Pennsylvania Senate.

By statute, the Secretary is a member of the following Boards and Commissions:

The Secretary is the keeper of the Great Seal of the Commonwealth and has the duty of authenticating government documents through the seal's use. The Secretary is also the Commonwealth's Chief Election Official.

The current Secretary of the Commonwealth is Pedro Cortés.