By Jan Murphy
The Patriot-News | PennLive.com
In one of his final acts as the state’s chief executive, Gov. Tom Corbett on Friday announced the appointment of Erik Arneson as executive director of the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records.
He replaces Terry Mutchler, the office’s first director, who announced less than an hour ago she is resigning to take a position with the Philadelphia office of Pepper Hamilton.
Arneson, a former newspaper reporter, has served as communications and policy director for former Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi since 2005. In that role, he was instrumental in the development of Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law and the inception of the open records office.
“Erik’s policy, legislative and communications skills are a perfect fit to lead Pennsylvania’s efforts to maintain open and transparent government response to its citizenry,” Corbett said in a news release. “He has been a fierce advocate for the public’s right to know and I am confident that he will serve the commonwealth well.”