The longtime chief of staff for Pennsylvania Senate Pro Tempore Kim Ward, R-Hempfield, is leaving his position to start a new job with UPMC.

Rob Ritson has worked with Ms. Ward for 23 years, from their time together working for Hempfield up until Friday when her office made the announcement that he would be leaving.

“Rob’s professionalism and demeanor set an incredible tone for our staff to do important work and made him a go-to person in Harrisburgh,” Ms. Ward said in a news release. “We are sad to lose him but glad he will be able to help Pennsylanians get great quality healthcare in his next role.”

It was not immediately clear what Mr. Ritson will be doing at UPMC. Before working with Ms. Ward, he was the township manager for Hempfield, which is in Westmoreland County and is part of

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