Treasurer McCord Announces Appointment of Gary Tuma as Communications Director

Harrisburg – State Treasurer Rob McCord today announced Gary Tuma, a 40-year veteran of journalism and state government, will join the Treasury Department as its director of communications.

Tuma will assume his new role on Tuesday, December 11. He replaces Michael Smith, who transitioned to deputy chief of staff earlier this year.

“Gary is a seasoned professional who has served the public for years by making state government more effective, transparent, and responsive,” said Treasurer McCord.  “I share an interest in those objectives, and I am thrilled he will join Treasury to communicate our work as a fiscal watchdog, a profit center for the Commonwealth, and an innovative and independent branch of government that is committed to improving the economic security of all Pennsylvanians.”

Tuma spent 18 years as a reporter, including 12 with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.  Following his time as a journalist, he worked as press secretary for the state Department of Education during Governor Robert Casey’s administration, then for the state Senate Appropriations Committee.  From August 2009 until January 2011, he served as Governor Ed Rendell’s press secretary.

Currently, he is the director of communications and education at the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council, an independent state agency.

Tuma holds an undergraduate degree in English and a master’s degree in American Studies – both from Penn State. He and his wife Carole live in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County.

For more information on the Pennsylvania Treasury, visit www.patreasury.gov.

Media contact: Michael Smith, 717-787-2991 or news@patreasury.gov

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