The state secretary of health will step down from his position Oct. 1 to become Pitt’s first… The state secretary of health will step down from his position Oct. 1 to become Pitt’s first associate vice chancellor for health policy and planning.

“I am delighted that Everette [James] is joining the University of Pittsburgh, where he will be working to advance health research and delivery in one of the premier integrated health systems in the nation,” Governor Ed Rendell said in a news release Tuesday.

James has served as secretary of health for two years, regulating hospitals, nursing homes and managed care programs throughout the state. During his time in office, the department has implemented a statewide indoor smoking ban and “instituted the most comprehensive program in the nation to eliminate healthcare acquired infections,” according to Rendell’s office.

University officials were not immediately available for comment.