Dr. Zahorchak graduated from Saint Francis University in 1980 with his Bachelor of Science in Education. He received a Master of Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1986. In 1994, he received his Doctorate of Education from The Pennsylvania State University.

Dr. Zahorchak has numerous years of experience in the educational field as a teacher, principal, football coach, school superintendent, and Federal Programs Director. He is currently an adjunct professor at St. Francis University. Dr. Zahorchak served as the Deputy Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education for the Pennsylvania Department of Education beginning in 2003. In September 2005, he was appointed Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

He has been a member of many community boards such as Johnstown Rotary, Conemaugh Hospital Systems Institutional Review Board, Red Cross Board, Cambria-Somerset Labor Management Board, PA League of Urban Schools Executive Committee and Board.

Dr. Zahorchak has been recognized by the Penn State School Study Council and received the "Caldwell Award for Excellence in Administration and Supervision" in 2002. He received the President's Award for "Distinguished Alumnus in Education" from St. Francis University in 2002 and, more recently received the PA Association of Federal Program Coordinators "Distinguished Service Award" in 2005. He has also been listed in the Who's Who in Education, and was recognized by the Pennsylvania Jaycees as the first two-time recipient of the "Outstanding Young Citizen Award," PASCD's "Outstanding Research and Publications Award," and the PA League of Urban School Leadership Award.

February 2007