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Gov. Tom Wolf has nominated former Democratic state Sen. John Wozniak to sit on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the governor's office announced Thursday.
Wozniak, who served in the Senate from 1997 until this year, would be one of five commissioners tasked with overseeing the turnpike.
In his announcement, Wolf pointed to Wozniak's legislative history covering transportation.
"Having served for two decades in the Senate, and many years prior in the House, John brings a wealth of experience and infrastructure knowledge to the turnpike," Wolf said in a written statement, noting Wozniak's work in passing a major 2013 road funding package. "In his new role at the turnpike, I know John will remain a consistent advocate of a sustainable system of roads in Pennsylvania."
Wozniak must be confirmed by his former Senate colleagues in a two-thirds vote.
The Senate isn't set to reconvene until mid-April, and a date isn't set for a vote, Wolf's communications director, Mark Nicastre, said.
Commissioners are paid a $26,000 annual salary, according to the state's PennWatch database.
The board includes business figures and public servants, as well as the
state transportation secretary.
Wozniak left the Senate in January, having abruptly ended his re-election campaign against Republican Wayne Langerholc in August.
Langerholc went on to win the 35th District seat, which covers Cambria, Bedford and most of Clearfield counties.
Sean Logan, the Turnpike Commission's previous chair, stepped down in February. Logan was then appointed by the Senate Democratic leader to the state Gaming Control Board at a $145,000 salary.
Mirror Staff Writer Ryan Brown is at 946-7457.