Wolf replaces director of Office of Open Records

HARRISBURG — The new executive director of Pennsylvania’s Office of Open Records sees the role she is taking on as a continuation of her current work at the state’s auditor general’s office in holding government accountable and transparent.

Liz Gerloff Wagenseller takes over a position that has been held for the past six years by Erik Arneson, whose last day is Wednesday when his six-year term expires. Ms. Wagenseller said she spent two hours talking to Mr. Arneson on the phone on Sunday. She starts her new post on Jan. 19. Gov. Tom Wolf announced the appointment Monday.

Ms. Wagenseller, 43, currently works as chief of staff to departing Auditor General Eugene DePasquale.

She said her first priority in the new role will be to “get to know the staff. I understand they are the most knowledgeable Right to Know Law experts in the state. I want to make sure the work continues seamlessly as I come aboard and as I learn and understand how things work.”

She said Mr. Arneson “gave me a synopsis of the wonderful staff and the work,” she said. “Erik has done an outstanding job. He’ll do great in whatever he does next. I really appreciate all his work and leadership over the past six years and will continue to see him as a resource.”

Mr. Arneson shared a letter he wrote to Mr. Wolf on the Office of Open Records blog, stating, “The next person to hold this position is, in my view, the luckiest person in Pennsylvania. Their top priority [beyond a continued focus on the OOR’s independence] should be keeping the entire OOR staff intact.”