Pennsylvania Health Secretary Alison Beam to resign this month

Governor taps Keara Klinepeter as new acting health secretary

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)Pennsylvania’s acting health secretary will depart at the end of December, the governor’s office announced Monday.

Alison Beam had served in an acting role since January, when Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf tapped her to replace Dr. Rachel Levine.

Beam guided the state’s COVID-19 pandemic response. She oversaw vaccine distribution and imposed a mask mandate for schools that was struck down by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court last week.

Keara Klinepeter, the Health Department’s executive deputy secretary, will take over as acting secretary.

The administration did not give a reason for Beam’s departure. Wolf is heading into the last year of his governorship.

Featured Image Photo Credit: The Office of Governor Tom Wolf via Flickr