Harrisburg, PA – Yesterday, Governor Josh Shapiro honored Taylor Farnsworth, the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience’s (CODE PA)’s Head of Content Strategy for her role with the Board of Pardons in implementing one of the first digital clemency applications in the country and make it easier for deserving Pennsylvanians to earn a second chance.
As a result of her work, applicants can now apply for clemency using an easy-to-read digital or paper application, find the information they need about the process in one place online, and better understand their application’s status or needs through streamlined communications.
“Progress on this project, which launched under the previous administration, had stalled out, but it remained a top priority for Governor Shapiro and the team at the Board of Pardons, which I’m proud to lead,” said Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. “Taylor and the CODE PA team came in and helped put it back on track, delivering on our promise to make Pennsylvania a place for second chances. When we talk about ‘getting stuff done,’ much of that work happens behind the scenes and doesn’t make headlines. But the results can make a big difference for the good people of Pennsylvania, and that’s what Taylor has done with the new online pardon application and revamped Board of Pardons website.”
Farnsworth joined CODE PA as content director in October 2023 and was promoted to head of content strategy last year. Prior to joining CODE PA, she worked in gun violence prevention, an experience that informed her understanding of the challenges individuals can face when seeking opportunities to rebuild their lives after involvement with the criminal justice system.
“The successful transformation of the clemency process under the Shapiro-Davis Administration is a testament to what can be achieved when technology meets human empathy,” said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver. “Taylor’s dedication and strategic vision on this project are helping individuals earn a life-changing second chance. We believe that government services should be accessible to all, and we’re proud to have Taylor on our CODE PA team in this mission.”
In Pennsylvania, individuals who have been convicted of a crime can apply for forgiveness through clemency, removing barriers to employment and housing. However, the previous paper-only process was confusing for applicants and inefficient for Board of Pardons staffers.
In 2024, Farnsworth began working with the Board of Pardons to redesign its website and, in 2025, set out to deliver a whole new digital experience. This effort included updating content on PA.gov, a redesign of the paper application, and the creation of the digital application in both English and Spanish. Additionally, the online form and content can be translated into 17 different languages.
Farnsworth analyzed data to understand how people found and used the information needed to apply for clemency and used website analytics, content audits, and applicant research to identify barriers people faced when navigating the clemency process. The new website and application use human-centered design principles and a content-first approach to help individuals understand if clemency is right for them and provide applicants with relevant information they need at each step of the process to complete the application faster and with more accuracy.
To improve readability and accessibility, Farnsworth also rewrote the website and applications using plain language, simplified legal jargon, and reduced overall word count by nearly 30 percent. She also reduced the website’s page count from 38 pages to 23 pages – a 40 percent reduction – creating a more focused experience for applicants. Step-by-step guidance embedded directly into the form and visual cues have made it easier for applicants to complete the form correctly.
In addition to this work, Farnsworth led the content strategy for a broader modernization effort that included rewriting more than 70 letters and notices used throughout the clemency process, and identified which materials should be prioritized for Spanish translation.
The comprehensive redesign has allowed for over 1,700 online applications since implementation and demonstrated that government can be clear, accessible, and centered on the people it serves.
The Governor’s Awards for Excellence recognize individuals and groups of state employees for exemplary job performance or service that reflects initiative, leadership, innovation and increased efficiency. Farnsworth is among 83 employees from 17 Commonwealth agencies honored by Governor Shapiro for exceptional accomplishments in 2025.
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