Richards named Pennsylvania DOT's new chief

Pennsylvania Gov.-Elect Tom Wolf announced yesterday that Montgomery County Commissioners' Vice Chairwoman Leslie Richards will become the new secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

As head of PennDOT, Richards will replace Barry Schoch, who will serve as a senior adviser to Wolf on transportation and infrastructure issues, according to Pennsylvania news media. Richards will be the first woman to run PennDOT.

"Leslie Richards will work with me to continue to grow and modernize our transportation system by taking advantage of our location," Wolf said in a press release. "As a business owner, I know that a strong transportation system is necessary to move people and goods efficiently and effectively, and I look forward to working with Leslie Richards to expand our thinking and grow a 21st century, statewide transportation system."

Wolf will be sworn in Jan. 20 as Pennsylvania's 47th governor. He defeated incumbent Gov. Tom Corbett in the November election.