Longtime chief of staff to Senate leader Kim Ward resigns

A shakeup is coming to the legislative staff of Pennsylvania Senate President Tempore Kim Ward.

Ward, R-Hempfield, announced Friday her longtime chief of staff Rob Ritson has resigned to take at job at UPMC. Ritson has served as Ward’s top aide for 23 years.

“Rob’s professionalism and demeanor set an incredible tone for our staff to do important work and made him a go-to person in Harrisburg. We are sad to lose him but glad he will be able to help Pennsylvanians get great quality health care in his next role. I thank Rob and his family and wish them all the best.”

Ritson, 53, got his start in government when he was hired in 1996 to serve as chief of staff to Westmoreland County Commissioner Tom Balya. Ward, then a supervisor in Hempfield, recruited Ritson in 2002 to serve as the township’s first manager.

He went on to serve as Ward’s chief of staff after she was elected to the state Senate in 2008.

Ritson also served as a Hempfield supervisor from 2018 to 2021 before leaving that post as Ward was elevated to Republican leadership in the state Senate.

Ritson did not respond to a request for an interview on Friday, but through Ward’s staff issued a statement.

“For more than 23 years, it has been a privilege and honor to work side by side with one of my closest friends and help our community and state in ways I never thought possible. I am incredibly proud of Kim’s success and our journey together. Moving on is bittersweet, but I am excited for what is coming next,” Ritson said.

Ward announced promotions for two senior staff members.

Communications Director Erica Clayton Wright was named as senior advisor to Ward. Director of Legislative Development Adam Pankake will take over from Ritson as Ward’s new chief of staff, based in Harrisburg.