HARRISBURG — Rep. Matt Baker, R-Wellsboro, announced he had resigned Pennsylvania House of Representatives effective Monday.

The decision comes after the 25-year House veteran was offered a presidential appointment to serve his country.

“It is with great sadness that I am leaving the House of Representatives sooner than I would have desired; however, I have been given the opportunity to serve the people of the 68th District and beyond in an even greater capacity than my current position allows,” said Baker. “I am honored to have been offered this opportunity and feel it is the right time in my career to make the transition.”

Baker has accepted the position of regional director of the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

He will be one of 10 HHS regional directors across the country whose region includes Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. His new responsibilities will include ensuring HHS maintains close contact with federal, state, local and tribal partners and addresses the needs of communities and individuals served through the numerous HHS programs and policies.

“I have long felt a call to service, which is why I entered public service to begin with,” said Baker. “My time with the state House has been incredibly rewarding and I look forward to using the knowledge I have gained in the state Legislature and as chairman of the House Health Committee in my new capacity as Regional Director for HHS.