Harrisburg, PA —The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) today announced the appointment of seven new commissioners who will help guide the agency’s ongoing work to promote accountability, fairness, service to Pennsylvanians, and institutional improvement across the Commonwealth. The PHRC also recognizes the continued service of returning commissioners Michael Hardiman and Curtis Jones, Jr., whose experience and commitment remain invaluable to the Commission’s mission.
PHRC Interim Chair Curtis Jones, Jr. welcomed the appointments, stating: “The PHRC’s work depends on strong, principled leadership committed to fairness and accountability. I look forward to working with these new commissioners to strengthen the PHRC and ensure every Pennsylvanian receives the equitable treatment they deserve.”
The newly appointed commissioners are:
- Carolyn Bohmueller, Partner, O’Brien & Ryan, LLP;
- Christopher Brooks, Professor of History, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania;
- Brooke Burchette Williams, Mediator, Just Mediation Pittsburgh;
- Seth Grove, President & CEO, Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association;
- Timothy Jackson, Partner, Schooley Mitchell;
- Laura Manion, President & CEO, Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry;
- Andrea Martin, Assistant Professor of Law, Penn State Dickinson Law.
Together, they bring a diverse range of professional expertise and community leadership experience to the Commonwealth’s civil rights enforcement agency.
Interim Executive Director Amber J. E. Harris added: “Our responsibility is to serve all Pennsylvanians by advancing justice, improving public systems, and protecting civil rights. The appointment of these new commissioners reinforces a forward-looking vision for the PHRC, one rooted in service, transparency, and continuous improvement. The PHRC looks forward to working with our new commissioner to continue the important work of protecting the citizens of the Commonwealth from discrimination.”
The PHRC is comprised of eleven commissioners, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. These commissioners act as public liaisons, establish policies, and resolve some cases that are not settled voluntarily. The commission is independent and nonpartisan, with no more than six commissioners from one political party. The chairperson is appointed by the Governor, and the vice-chairperson, secretary, and assistant secretary are elected by commissioners each year. The commission needs either six members or a majority of appointed and qualified members to conduct business, and any action can be approved by the majority of those present.
A permanent commission chair has not yet been announced. The plan is for the newly confirmed commissioners to be sworn into office immediately prior to the commission's July 27 meeting in Harrisburg, officially commencing their service on the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
For the fiscal year 2026-27, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission was awarded an annual operating budget of $14,434,000, that’s an increase of more than $400,000 from last year. PHRC will also receive $2,100,000 in federal funding to assist with U.S. Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) cases and $500,000 in federal funding to assist with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development cases (HUD) cases.
About the PHRC:
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination and promote equal opportunity for all people. The PHRC investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. Anyone who has experienced discrimination is urged to file a complaint by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available on the PHRC website. Follow the PHRC on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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