State names deputy banking secretary

HARRISBURG – State Banking Secretary Steve Kaplan announced today that
David H. Bleicken has been named the Banking Department's deputy secretary
of nondepository institutions and consumer services.
"David is a nationally recognized leader in the oversight of the mortgage
industry," Kaplan said. "Current turmoil in the mortgage and housing industry
make him an exceptional addition to the department's executive team. We're
lucky to have him."
Bleicken has served the Banking Department in various capacities since 1997;
most recently as director of the bureau of licensing, investigation and
consumer services, in which he significantly increased scrutiny of license
applications and created a new investigation division.
Bleicken is also president of the American Association of Residential Mortgage
Regulators, a national trade group that works to increase the knowledge and
ability of those engaged in the administration and enforcement of mortgage
regulation.
"In addition to mortgage bankers and brokers, the department licenses 18
different kinds of non-bank financial service providers, including check
cashers, pawn shops, collector repossessors and many others," Kaplan
said. "It was crucial to find a candidate with a deep understanding of
Pennsylvania's laws. David was a natural fit."
Bleicken earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Carleton
College and a Juris Doctorate from Temple University School of Law. He lives
in the Harrisburg area with his wife, Marianne, and two children.