The secretary is appointed by the governor subject to confirmation by the state senate.

[2] Since June 2023, the secretary is Al Schmidt, a Republican appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro.

[3] The department protects the public's health, safety, and welfare by licensing more than one million business, health, and real estate professionals; maintaining registration and financial information for thousands of charities soliciting contributions from Pennsylvanians; overseeing Pennsylvania's electoral process; maintaining corporate filings; and sanctioning professional boxing, kick–boxing and wrestling in the commonwealth.

Unlike many other states which elect the secretary of state, in Pennsylvania, this position is appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Pennsylvania Senate.

The Pennsylvania Department of State consists of six bureaus: [4]