Christopher Oppman Named Department of Corrections Deputy Secretary for Administration

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 5, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After serving in an acting capacity for nearly one year, Christopher H. Oppman has been named Deputy Secretary for Administration for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. 

"Chris is a dedicated, educated and highly-innovative individual," Secretary John E. Wetzel said.  "He continues to bring new concepts and ideas to the table, and that, coupled with his institutional experience makes him a well-rounded administrator."

Wetzel highlighted some of Oppman's work saying, "Chris has been involved in a number of important projects and committees working toward improving efficiencies and decreasing spending, such as the consolidation of radiation treatment cases at one prison to save transportation costs and the reduction in medication costs for individuals with co-occurring cases of HIV and Hepatitis C.  He continues to be my right hand man where all things fiscal are concerned."

As deputy secretary, Oppman is responsible for directing the administrative operations of the DOC and oversees the DOC's Bureaus of Administration, Correctional Industries, Health Care Services, Operations, Office of Equal Opportunity and Correctional Industries.

Oppman began his DOC career as a corrections health care administrator at SCI Pittsburgh in 2010.  In 2013, he was named director of the DOC's Bureau of Health Care Services.  In April 2015, he was named acting deputy secretary for administration.

Prior to his employment with the DOC, Oppman worked as an HR specialist, contracts manager and controller at Laurel Highlands Foundation, Inc.  He also served as a center administrator for Concentra Medical Centers and as practice manager for Ohio Valley General Hospital.

Oppman earned a bachelor of science degree in biology with a minor in business administration from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.  He earned a master of health administration and a master of business administration from Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business in Pittsburgh.

A native of Connellsville, Oppman lives in Mechanicsburg, Pa.

MEDIA CONTACT: Susan McNaughton, 717-728-4025

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Corrections

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http://www.state.pa.us