Secretaries of L&I
1943-1951
William H. Chesnut
William H. Chesnut was born and raised in Philadelphia. He completed his higher education in English schools and entered state service on March 13, 1939, as Director of the Workmen’s Compensation Bureau. In addition to the Bureau duties, Chesnut was appointed Secretary of the Workmen’s Compensation Board on October 13, 1939. He also administered payment of the state’s share of occupational disease liabilities under a special appropriation act.
He was married and had one daughter. He was appointed Secretary of the Department of Labor and Industry on January 17, 1943, by Governor Edward Martin; he was re-appointed on January 21, 1947, by Governor John C. Bell Jr.
From PA Manual, 1949-1950.