House Swears in New Chief Clerk

June 8, 2021

Wheeler is first woman to hold position that dates back to 1600s

HARRISBURG – Brooke Wheeler assumed the position of Chief Clerk of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today when she was unanimously elected to the position by members of the House.

Since the formation of the Colonial Assembly in 1682 roughly 80 people have served as chief clerk and Wheeler is the first woman to hold the position.

Other past clerks include Benjamin Franklin, who held the position for 14 years, and Thomas Paine, who served for one year.
As chief clerk, Wheeler is responsible for the daily operations of the House, including convening the House each term to elect the speaker and for the printing of all bills and House journals.

Wheeler was born and raised in Marysville, Perry County, and is a graduate of Penn State University and the Widener Commonwealth Law School. Her career in the Legislature began as an intern in the Legislative Reference Bureau. She went on to become House counsel overseeing legal affairs for the chief clerk, House Comptroller and CORE offices.

Speaker Bryan Cutler
100th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
 


House leaders stand with Brooke Wheeler, the new Chief Clerk for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Pictured from left: Rep. Jordan Harris, Minority Whip; Rep. Joanna McClinton, Minority Leader; Wheeler; Rep. Donna Oberlander, Majority Whip;  Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, Majority Leader; Rep. Bryan Cutler, Speaker of the House.