Keystone Today

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) formally announced that Sara Manzano-Diaz will be appointed to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).

Manzano-Diaz is the first Latina to be on this board, according to Al Dia Women. The PGCB is an agency of the state of Pennsylvania, founded in 2004 as the state licensing and regulatory agency for overseeing slot machines and casino gambling.

"Sara is a dedicated and accomplished public servant who has extensive leadership experience in federal and state government," Wolf said, according to the Official Pennsylvania Government Website. "I'm confident that she will be an asset to the Gaming Control Board." 

Sara Manzano-Diaz | LinkedIn

Manzano-Diaz has previously served in the Office of the Attorney General and executive and legal counsel positions for the U.S. Department of Labor, Pennsylvania Department of State, New Jersey Department of Treasury and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

Manzano-Diaz said told Al Dia Women, "As the first Latina Commissioner, this appointment allows me to break barriers in nontraditional roles for Latinas. I hope that seeing me will encourage and inspire other Latinas to realize that perceptions are changing. Our collective talent, capacity and qualifications demonstrate that Latinas can serve and positively contribute at the highest echelon of government and business in America."

She is also a member of Wolf's Commission for Women. She graduated from Boston University and also earned a Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers University School of Law.

Manzano-Diaz is replacing Obra Kernodle, who left his role to become CEO for Delaware River Port Authority. "Obra's commitment to the Gaming Control Board was valuable and appreciated, and I'm grateful for his dedication to our commonwealth, which will continue in his role at the DRPA," Wolf said, according to Pennsylvania's website.