HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis today named Joe Watkins as chief recovery officer of the Chester Upland School District, Delaware County.
Earlier this week, Tomalis declared the district in Financial Recovery, pursuant to Section 621-A of the Public School Code.
A resident of Philadelphia, Watkins served as an assistant to the president of the University of Pennsylvania, from 1986-1989. From 1995-2001, Watkins served as managing director and equity partner in an asset management firm.
Watkins is currently the pastor of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Philadelphia. He is a former associate director of public liaison on the White House staff of President George H.W. Bush and assistant state director on the U.S. Senate staff of Senator Dan Quayle. Watkins has also worked as a government relations professional at Buchanan Ingersoll and Rooney.
He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Princeton Theological Seminary. Watkins is married to Stephanie Taylor Watkins.
"Joe is a qualified individual who has the ability to assist the Chester Upland School District with long-term financial stability, as well as ensuring the district's students continue to have access to quality academic programs," said Tomalis. "I am confident that Joe will provide the district with the guidance and leadership it needs."
Media Contact: Tim Eller, 717-783-9802
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education
