Pedro A. Cortés
| Pedro A. Cortés | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania | |
|
In office January 20, 2015 – October 11, 2017 |
|
| Governor | Tom Wolf |
| Preceded by | Carol Aichele |
| Succeeded by | Robert Torres |
|
In office April 2, 2003 – June 10, 2010 |
|
| Governor | Ed Rendell |
| Preceded by | Michael Weaver |
| Succeeded by | Basil Merenda |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
May 28, 1966 Carolina, Puerto Rico, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Lissette Lizardi |
| Children | 1 daughter |
| Education |
University of Massachusetts, Amherst (BA) Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg (MPA) Pennsylvania State University, Carlisle (JD) |
Pedro A. Cortés (born May 28, 1966) twice served as Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (April 2003 - June 2010 & January 2015 - October 2017). He was the first confirmed Latino Cabinet member and the longest serving Secretary of State in Pennsylvania history. Cortés was also the first Puerto Rican Secretary of State in the United States, outside of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Cortés earned his Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a Master of Public Administration from Penn State University, and a Juris Doctor degree from Pennsylvania State University - Dickinson Law. He also holds a certificate in Public Sector Human Resources Management from The Pennsylvania State University and Doctorate Degrees honoris causa from King's College, Harcum College and Widener University School of Law.
In 2004, Cortés was one of 40 state leaders from across the country selected to participate in the Toll Fellowship Program sponsored by The Council of State Governments. His peers elected him 2004 Class Representative.
A lawyer by training, Cortés was the Senior Advisor for Latino Affairs to two Pennsylvania Governors. As the Executive Director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, he made recommendations to the Governors and their administrations on policies, procedures and legislation that enhanced the status of the Latino community in Pennsylvania. As the Governor's liaison to the Latino community, he ensured that state government was accessible, accountable and responsive to the needs of Latinos and that strategies and programs were developed to enhance the community's social and economic status. Secretary Cortés’ professional pursuits have also included work with the State Civil Service Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.
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