SENATOR WARD’S CHIEF OF STAFF RESIGNS

The longtime chief of staff for State Senator Kim Ward has resigned.  The Trib reports that Rob Ritson is leaving her staff to take a job with UPMC.  He has served as her top aide for the last 23 years.  Ritson has also served as Hempfield township supervisor for four years.  Communications Director Erica Clayton Wright was named as senior advisor to Ward. Director of Legislative Development Adam Pankake will take over from Ritson as Ward’s new chief of staff, based in Harrisburg.