Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has named a veteran Republican strategist to head up his efforts in Pennsylvania. The move can be taken as a sign that Gingrich has no intention of exiting the race for the GOP nomination anytime soon.

Gingrich has picked Charlie Gerow as chairman of his campaign in Pennsylvania, a state that does not hold its primary until April 24.

Gerow began his career working on Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign and is CEO of Quantum Communications, a Harrisburg-based public relations and issue-advocacy firm.

“I’m pleased to be part of Speaker Gingrich’s team,” Gerow said in a statement. “My number one goal for 2012 is the defeat of Barack Obama and I believe that Newt Gingrich is the strongest candidate to run against him. Speaker Gingrich is a fabulous debater, a brilliant visionary and a tireless campaigner. Newt Gingrich is a consistent Reagan conservative who is best able to carry the Republican banner in the November election.”

Gerow has worked on a number of GOP presidential campaigns and serves on the board of directors of the American Conservative Union.