Gov. Tom Ridge today announced his appointment of Corrections Secretary Martin F. Horn as Secretary of Administration, effective Dec. 30. 
Secretary Horn will succeed Administration Thomas G. Paese, who will leave the Administration, effective Dec. 29 Gov. Ridge appointed Department of Corrections Executive Deputy Secretary Dr. Jeffrey A. Beard as Acting Secretary of Corrections.
“Tom Paese leaves big shoes to fill, but, if anyone can, it's Marty Horn,” Gov. Ridge said.  “Marty has been a tremendous Secretary of Corrections these past six years.  As Secretary of Corrections, Marty knows what it's like to run a big department.  He's a terrific manager and innovator.  He has a brilliant mind and a commitment to my Administration's vision.  He will excel in his new role.  I enthusiastically welcome him to my Senior Staff.”
Secretary of the Office Administration (OA) is a Cabinet-level, Senior Staff position that does not need Senate confirmation.  OA is the non-financial operating arm of state government.  Its main functions are:  employee and labor relations (human resources/personnel), computer operations, and management consulting.  OA directs affirmative action within state agencies, and has an annual budget of $32 million with 318 employees.   As Secretary of Corrections since March 1995, Horn, 52, has been the Chief Executive Officer of the 10th largest prison system in the nation.  He has been responsible for all aspects of administration at the Department of Corrections; a budget of 
$1 billion, including $125 million in medical service contracts; labor relations; legislative relations; information systems; security; planning; and capital construction. 
“I am very proud of my work at the Department of Corrections over the past six years,” Secretary Horn said.  “I am especially proud of the nearly 15,000 men and women I have had the privilege to work with there.  Together, we accomplished more than I ever dreamed, and created a better, stronger Department of Corrections for the people of Pennsylvania.”