Katie True


Katie True was an American Republican politician, and a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1993 to 2000, then again from 2003 to 2010.

Early life and education

True was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but moved to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, as a youth. She was a graduate of J. P. McCaskey High School.

Career

True began her career in public service when she founded Kids Saving Kids, a nationally recognized drug-education program for elementary students. She was a Member of the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth and served as Youth Director for Pennsylvanians AWARE, a statewide drug and alcohol prevention coalition.

Political career

True's work in the community, combined with service as a Republican Committee woman, eventually led to a political career. She was first elected to represent the Pennsylvania [House of Representatives, District 37|37th district] in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1992. She served in that position until Pennsylvania Auditor [General election, 2000|2000], when she left the House to run for Pennsylvania Auditor General. She lost that Pennsylvania [Auditor General election, 2000|election] to Bob Casey, Jr.
After her defeat in 2000, True served as the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women under Governor Tom Ridge.
In the 2002 election, True was elected to represent the 41st legislative district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. She retired prior to the 2010 election.

Later career

On April 4, 2011, Governor Tom Corbett named True to lead the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs within the Pennsylvania Department of State. As commissioner, True oversaw the state's professional and occupational hearing boards. The bureau provides administrative and legal support for all of the state's licensing boards - which oversees professionals from medical doctors to accountants and funeral directors – while protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public from fraudulent and unethical practitioners.

Death

True died on October 7, 2025, at the age of 84.