Helen D. Wise, a 20-year veteran of the University Board of Trustees and member of Gov. Robert P. Casey's staff, was appointed the governor's deputy chief of staff for programs.

Casey announced Monday Wise's new appointment, which will begin in January when Walter W. Giesey's resignation takes effect. Giesey is now deputy chief of staff for programs.

"It will be a more all-encompassing job," Wise said of her new position, adding that the new responsibilities will not affect her University role.

"I've always made time for the board of trustees and I will continue to," she said.

As a trustee, Wise is a member of the board's executive committee and the Committee on Physical Plant. She serves as one of the most vocal trustees and frequently provides insight into the governor's position on certain key issues such as the University's annual state appropriations.

She first became a University trustee in 1969, making her one of the first women on the board.

Wise will assume responsibilities for implementing the governor's policies in addition to her current duties as secretary to the cabinet, where she serves as a liaison between state agencies and the governor's office.

As deputy chief of staff, she will be one of three deputies to work under Casey's chief of staff and her job will become much broader, Wise explained.

Casey told the Associated Press Wise has a wide range of administrative experience in both the public and private sectors and has made a unique contribution to serving the state.

A former school teacher, Wise previously served as president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association and the National Education Association and as director of the Delaware State Education Association, playing a key role in implementing educational reform there.

Wise was also a state representative from 1976-78.