Board Members

Kenneth Long was appointed president of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania by the Board of Governors for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, effective November 2, 2022, after serving as interim president for over two years. With more than 35 years of progressive experience in higher education, President Long previously served as the university’s chief administrative, financial, and operations officer.

During his tenure at ESU, President Long has achieved significant milestones, including stabilizing the university’s financial condition, enhancing healthcare access by partnering with a regional medical center, conducting the university’s first academic space utilization study, and upgrading athletic facilities. These upgrades include adding air conditioning and a generator in the fieldhouse, painting the stadium, replacing the turf for all outdoor sports, and collaborating with the local municipality and little league for baseball and softball. He also coordinated the construction of new student housing, a counseling center, and a testing center.

Before joining ESU, Long held various positions at PASSHE universities. He served as assistant vice president of administration and finance at Kutztown University for five years and worked as interim vice president for finance and administration at Cheyney University for six months in 2012. His career also includes roles at the University of Toledo, where he was associate vice president for budget and planning and chief financial officer for the University of Toledo Physician Practice Group, and at DeVry University as the chief financial and administrative officer of the New Jersey campus.

Long holds a bachelor’s degree in math and political science from Drew University in Madison, N.J., and an

M.B.A. from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, N.J. He has taught courses in business administration, financial accounting, and managerial accounting, and has presented at numerous regional and national conferences.

He has served as Treasurer and Executive Board member of the Eastern Association of College and University Business Officers (EACUBO), Board member of the Pocono Mountain Music Festival, President Liaison for the Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Board of Governor’s Governance Committee, and chair of PASSHE’s Freedom of Speech and Title VI Task Group.

Currently, President Long sits on the Board of Directors of the Pocono Center for the Arts (PCFTA) and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). He also serves as Presidential Liaison for the PASSHE Board of Governor’s Audit Committee and Advisor for Communities in Schools Eastern Pennsylvania.

Kenneth Long is married to Evelyn and has three daughters: Alysha, Peyton, and Taylor.

Cynthia D. Shapira was appointed chairwoman of Pennsylvania’s State Board of Higher Education in September, 2024. She comes to the position with experience in higher education leadership. Cindy is in her ninth year as chairwoman of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors.

She initiated in 2016 a system redesign to achieve access and affordability, close attainment gaps, ensure financial sustainability, and ensure excellence in public higher education system governance excellence. This included the merging of six institutions into two new universities.

Cindy has served for nine years on the Brandeis University Board of Trustees and currently is vice-chair of the board. She a director of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. She is a current member of the Department of Homeland Security Academic Partnership Council. She serves on the Wellesley College President’s Advisory Council. Cindy recently was voted onto the Bay Path University Board of Trustees. She is a former trustee of Point Park University and former chair of the Advisory Board of the Pennsylvania Center for Women in Politics at Chatham University.

She is an active leader elsewhere in the community. Cindy currently serves on the boards of the Allegheny County Airport Authority and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Past board service includes the Pittsburgh Promise, the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and WQED Pittsburgh. Cindy was the founder and chairwoman of the Southwestern PA United Way’s 21&Able Initiative to address the needs of youth with varying abilities aging out of special education and to promote a right and entrée to work agenda. She was the Honorary Chair of Allegheny County 365, a project to dramatically increase inclusion and access for individuals of varying abilities in Allegheny County. She is a past chairman of the Greater Pittsburgh Jewish Federation Board of Directors and formerly served as vice chair of the Jewish Federations of North America Board of Directors.

Cindy served on Governor Josh Shapiro’s higher education transition team and his working group to develop a blueprint for higher education in Pennsylvania. She served as a vice-chair of former Governor Tom Wolf's transition team and worked on the Governor's Advisory Board on Education and Workforce Development. Former Governor Tom Corbett appointed her to the Pennsylvania Commission on Women. She was an Elector in the 2012 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Electoral College and on the 2014 Federal Judiciary Selection Panel for the Western Pennsylvania District.

Cindy was named a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania in 2017, City & State’s 2022 Pennsylvania Fifty Over 50, and City & State’s 2022 Higher Education Power 100.

Cindy holds doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania, an M.P.A. from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and a B.A. from Wellesley College.

She was a management consultant for over twenty years in the education and non-profit sectors with KPMG and then executive vice president of Pappas Consulting Group, Inc. Representative clients included two state public higher education systems, Loyola University (Chicago), Sonoma State University, SUNY Maritime, Grinnell College, Western Carolina University, Northern Michigan University, University of Kansas, St. Paul’s School, UNICEF USA, National Council of Churches, and Hadassah, WZOA.

Dr. Ann D. Bieber was appointed the fifth president of Lehigh Carbon Community College on July 10, 2014. She began her career at the college in 1981 and over the years held numerous positions including senior vice president of Administrative Services and dean of Continuing Education. Over her 40 years serving the college, she developed a deep commitment for not only honoring the legacy of the college founders, but also advancing the college even farther to continue to serve the community in new ways and forge partnerships that benefit LCCC students and area employers. The college currently serves almost 15,000 students in credit programs and workforce training programs each year.

Dr. Bieber is committed to enhancing, improving and fostering the college standing as one of the region’s premiere educational institutions. Consequently, the college was chosen by Amazon as one of five training providers in the United States for advanced manufacturing, received the designation of a Hispanic Serving Institution from the U.S. Department of Education, and was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for its commitment to educating Hispanic students.

She serves the community as a member of the Lehigh Valley Partnership, the Board of Directors for the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, KidsPeace, Manufacturers Resource Center, Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority, Century Promise, and the PA State Board of Higher Education. Her community service revolves around her core commitment to student success. The impact that LCCC has made in students’ lives continues to motivate her and lead the college to more and better ways to provide a high quality, relevant college education that will propel students to meet their goals and fulfill their dreams.

Ann holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management from Capella University, a Master’s in Public Administration from Kutztown University and a B.S. from Cedar Crest College.

Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, was selected as Saint Joseph’s 29th president in March of 2023 following a period serving as interim president during a nationwide search. Prior to assuming the presidency, Dr. McConnell served for three years as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs where she oversaw the University’s academic enterprise with a particular focus on expanding the academic portfolio to meet market need and student demand. Most recently, she led the merger agreement with Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences and the historic integration of University of the Sciences, coordinating the acquisition of dozens of academic programs in health and science along with state-of-the-art campus facilities.

A national leader in Jesuit higher education, Dr. McConnell was the dean of the College of Business, Influence, and Information Analysis and the Helzberg School of Management at Rockhurst University, where she was also the associate provost for academic affairs, responsible for academic support areas and programs. In her academic roles at Rockhurst, she was active in the business community and with regional organizations. Dr. McConnell is the recipient of numerous awards including the Missouri Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Rockhurst University Faculty of the Year Award, the Helzberg School of Management Perfect Professor Award, and the Rockhurst University Excellence in Teaching Award.

Her 35-year commitment to Jesuit education has been strengthened through leadership experiences including the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU)’ Ignatian Colleagues Program and Leadership Institute, as well as the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. Dr. McConnell was appointed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as a member of the newly-formed State Board of Higher Education. Additionally, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker invited her to serve on the city’s Eds and Meds Roundtable. Dr. McConnell serves on the Board of Directors for the AJCU, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP), the Council of Presidents for the Atlantic 10 Conference, the Board of Directors for The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and is a member of the City Avenue District Board.

After earning her Master of Professional Accountancy degree and Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting from Wichita State University, Dr. McConnell earned her PhD in higher education administration from Saint Louis University. She is also a certified public accountant and a certified fraud examiner.

A proud first-generation college graduate, Dr. McConnell has published or presented more than 125 articles, papers or workshops, and she researches and speaks on higher education issues, gender issues related to career advancement and performance reviews, and the need for ethical leadership in a time of change and uncertainty.

Dr. Michael Wade Smith is the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff at Penn State University, where he facilitates the attainment of the University’s operational and strategic objectives and provides counsel to President Neeli Bendapudi. With extensive experience in higher education management, he previously served as Vice President for External Affairs and Chief of Staff at the University of Louisville and in various leadership roles at the University of Kansas.

Smith leverages his expertise in strategy, organizational and leadership development, and brand management to advance Penn State’s mission and interests internally and externally, fostering strong relationships with key constituents and individuals to drive operational and strategic results and outcomes across the institution. He holds a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA and BA from the University of Kansas.

As senior vice chancellor for external relations, Kevin Washo leads four distinct, outward-facing units at the University of Pittsburgh: the Division of Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement, Office of Engagement and Community Affairs, Office of Government Relations and Advocacy, and Office of University Communications and Marketing.

The Division of Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement raises funds and cultivates relationships with Pitt’s more than 360,000 alumni, along with parents, friends and other constituents on behalf of the University and its clinical partner UPMC. The Office of Engagement and Community Affairs establishes and advances Pitt’s place-based initiatives — including its urban community engagement center model — in close collaboration with local neighbors and neighborhoods. The Office of Government Relations and Advocacy manages all outreach, relationships and initiatives between the University and officials at the federal, state and local levels. The Office of University Communications and Marketing works to elevate Pitt’s reputation as a world leader in higher education and research while providing comprehensive communication services to members of the University community, media and beyond.

Washo joined Pitt in November 2017 as Chancellor Patrick Gallagher’s chief of staff and remained in that role for Chancellor Joan Gabel until April 2025. As chief of staff, he worked on behalf of the chancellor to advance the institution’s greatest priorities while managing the day-to-day operations within the Office of the Chancellor.

He has earned recognition as a “Higher Education Trailblazer” by City & State PA and as a Pittsburgh Business Times C-Suite Award winner.

Washo, a native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, is a proud Pitt alum. He also is a member of the board of directors for the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and the Oakland Business Improvement District and a former member of the University’s Board of Trustees. Prior to returning to Pitt and Pittsburgh, he worked as an executive and senior strategist for a range of political, government and civic endeavors in Washington, D.C., and across the commonwealth.

Marylouise C. Esten is Temple University’s vice president and chief of staff. In this role, she works closely with and on behalf of the president and senior leadership team, coordinating a wide range of complex activities and responsibilities, and providing the president with strategic counsel and policy support. Prior to this position, Esten served as the university’s deputy provost for seven years, coordinating and overseeing activity within the provost’s portfolio, responding to issues, and bringing together teams to carry out the provost’s initiatives.

After practicing law for five years in Connecticut, she returned to her home state of Pennsylvania and first joined Temple’s administration at the law school in 1991, serving initially as the assistant dean for admissions & financial aid, then taking on student affairs in 1995.  She was named associate dean for students in 2008, the same year she received the Peter N. Kutulakis Award from the Association of American Law Schools for providing outstanding service to students.  As associate dean, she supervised the offices of admissions, financial aid, student affairs, academic affairs, law school registrar, and career services.

 Esten earned her J.D. from Yale Law School and her A.B. summa cum laude from Middlebury College.  

Dr. Brenda A. Allen was named the 14th president of her alma mater, Lincoln University in Pennsylvania on May 11, 2017. She began her tenure on July 1, 2017. From July, 2009 through June, 2017 she served as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Winston Salem State University (WSSU). Dr. Allen was also a tenured member of the faculty there, holding the title of Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences. At WSSU, Dr. Allen’s primary responsibility was to provide executive level leadership for the institution as it pursued its academic mission.  Dr. Allen was responsible to the Chancellor for the overall coordination and effective implementation of the University’s academic programs, and exercised leadership in promoting quality instruction, research, and university and public service. She had responsibility for developing and administering the academic policies and regulations of the University, and in collaboration with other senior officers, she had lead responsibility for the development of the University’s annual budget and long-term financial plans.

As Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, Dr. Allen provided oversight and leadership of the following academic and operating units: the College of Arts, Sciences; Business and Education; the School of Health Sciences and University College.

Other units reporting to the Provost included: Information Resources (IT and the Library); Institutional Planning, Assessment and Research; the Division of Lifelong Learning (Evening and Week-end Programs, Continuing Education, Distance Learning and Summer Session); the Honors College; Enrollment Management (Admission, Financial Aid, and the Registrar); the Center of Excellence in Teaching and Learning; the Center for Community Safety; the Center for Health Disparities; and the Center for Design Innovations.

Dr. Allen departed WSSU with a legacy of achievement. Her many accomplishments included leading revision of the curriculum, overseeing the establishment of WSSU’s first two doctoral programs, expanding undergraduate research funding, restructuring academic support to strengthen advising, creating an Office of Faculty Affairs, strengthening standards for tenure and promotion, and helping raise more than $ 10 million for capital projects, scholarships and other student support. Under her watch, the university’s retention and graduation rates rose dramatically and the number of students engaged in research and study abroad also increased.

Dr. Allen served as Associate Provost and Director of Institutional Diversity before moving to WSSU. There she was credited with helping to raise nearly $15 million to support diversity goals, co-authoring a successful $3.3 million NSF ADVANCE Grant, and leading efforts that culminated in 36% and 45% increases in the number of women and minority faculty members, respectively.

Prior to joining Brown University, Dr. Allen held a number of academic and administrative positions at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. Promoted through the ranks at Smith to Full Professor Dr. Allen served as the chair of the African American Studies Department, the Assistant to the President and Director of Institutional diversity, and Special Assistant to the Provost.

Prior to her tenure at Smith College, Dr. Allen spent three years at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut where she held several positions, including Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Psychology, and Lecturer in the Departments of Psychology and African American Studies.

Dr. Allen holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Lincoln University, a master’s degree in Experimental Psychology and a doctorate in Developmental Psychology, both from Howard University in Washington, DC.

Dr. Christine M. Nowik is a Professor of English at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), where she teaches composition and literature. She has spent her entire higher education career working with students in Pennsylvania across for-profit, private liberal arts, and community college settings. Her work in higher education has also included student affairs, faculty leadership, shared governance, labor relations, student advocacy and support, and institutional service, giving her experience with the academic and organizational issues affecting students, faculty, and institutions.

Her scholarship and professional interests focus on leadership, organizational change, and how institutions respond to periods of disruption and transformation. She is especially interested in strengthening higher education through evidence-informed decision making and attention to the experiences of the people most directly affected by institutional policies and practices. As an undergraduate, she earned her degree within Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education and holds a Ph.D. in Leadership and Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts in English from Rhode Island College.

Oliver Dreon, PhD is a professor of Educational Foundations at Millersville University of Pennsylvania. From 2013 – 2020, Ollie served as the director of the Center for Academic Excellence where he led professional development for online teaching, active learning, Universal Design for Learning, and student-centered instruction. At Millersville, Ollie teaches a variety of education and instructional technology courses in face-to-face and online formats. He is the co-author of Authentic Instruction with Technology: A Student-Centered Approach and the co-author of The Power of Blended Learning in the Sciences.Besides his work in instructional technology, Ollie has co-edited the book Teacher Education for Ethical Professional Practices in the 21st Century and co-authored the Educator Ethics and Conduct Toolkit.  Ollie is also the primary author of the online courses AI for Tomorrow’s Teachers, offered by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and Foundational AI for School Leaders, offered by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA). Previously working as a middle school and high school teacher, Ollie has spent more than 30 years teaching in various educational environments and provides regular professional development and consultation on online and blended learning, instructional technology, and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). His work examines how technology can be used to support student development through physical, online, and hybrid learning spaces. Ollie was selected as the 2024 Teacher Educator of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of Colleges of Teacher Educators (PAC-TE) and served as the president of the Millersville University chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State College & University Faculty (APSCUF) from 2025-2027.

Andrea Shirk is the leader of a new kind of live event crew. As President + CEO at Rock Lititz, Andrea focuses on building a uniquely collaborative, state-of-the-art live event destination. Her dedicated team has been breaking innovative ground within the industry as the campus continues to grow, tackling unique collaborations in education and industry, designing community campuses and bring artists’ and teams together to prepare for live events. Andrea comes to Rock Lititz with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and multiple product development and program management roles in her resume, having worked in leadership programs at both Lockheed Martin and Bose.

In 2013, Andrea took the lead at Rock Lititz, where shows could come from around the world come to practice, train, build and structure their tours, and where crews come to learn, grow and find their production community. Learn more about Rock Lititz.

Alison Beam currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Government Affairs Officer for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.  In this capacity, Beam is responsible for leading the enterprise’s government relations at the local, state, federal and international level, as well as directing policy and charitable giving.

Beam most recently served as acting Secretary of Health for Pennsylvania.  In this capacity, she reformulated and strengthened Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 vaccination enterprise, elevating the Commonwealth from 49th to 8th in the country for COVID-19 vaccination rate in three months.  Simultaneously, Beam was responsible for crafting an accountable and inclusive impact strategy for an estimated $1.7 billion of federal stimulus investments directed to various divisions of the Department of Health and multiple state agencies.

Prior to serving as acting Secretary of Health, Beam served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Tom Wolf, coordinating initiatives and resources across Pennsylvania’s departments of Health, Human Services, Drug & Alcohol Programs, Aging and Insurance, as well as the Office of Advocacy and Reform. She helped coordinate the rollout of Pennie, Pennsylvania’s health insurance marketplace and the Reach Out PA mental health campaign. Prior to transitioning to the Governor’s Office, Beam served as Chief of Staff to the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner.  She previously served as Director of Public Policy and Associate Counsel for Independence Blue Cross in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Beam graduated from Drexel University School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration from the Pennsylvania State University.

Hayley Butler is currently enrolled at Carlow University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Arts in Early Learning and Development. She works as a full-time early childhood educator. She has taught in a preschool classroom for the past 3 years. Miss Butler completed her Childhood Development Associate in 2023. Since then, she has completed an Advocacy Fellowship with Trying Together. During this time, she worked closely with community members and legislators to spread the knowledge of value that Early Childhood Educators bring to the Commonwealth.

Currently, she is in the final terms of her degree while completing a Policy Fellowship with Teach Plus. The fellowship is in session from August of 2025 through August of 2026. Hayley Butler also serves as the Head Coach at Chatham University for their Cheerleading program. During her first year, she transitioned the team from an organized club, to a valued sport under their athletics department. In 2024, Miss Butler led the team to fundraise and support local organizations such as Special Olympics’ Polar Plunge in February. The team also spent time at the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh visiting the Radiology Unit in December 2024.

Dr. Heyward joins the SHBE as the student representative from a Pennsylvania public college. She is currently completing a Certificate in Residential Carpentry at Delaware County Community College. Before joining DCCC, she was a Research Investigator at local pharmaceutical company. She received a B.S. in Biology from Villanova University, an M.S. in Biology from Duquesne University, and a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. Her research has focused on the role of the immune system in disease pathology, particularly cancer autoimmune diseases. Over the years, she has mentored and guided several students in STEM and higher education career paths in both her research and alumni roles. Dr. Heyward previously served as a State University of New York/Corning Community College (SUNY/CCC) Board of Trustees member from 2016 to 2021. After years in biomedical research, she decided to pursue a personal interest in carpentry and home renovation and took advantage of the local community college as a resource for training and mid-career transition. Dr. Heyward is currently using experience she gained in the Residential Carpentry Program to complete a 2-year fellowship at the Department of Energy’s Building Technologies Office. 

Pedro A. Rivera II, Ed.D. is the 10th president of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. He joined the College on October 1, 2020. Before joining the College, he served as Pennsylvania Secretary of Education. He was appointed to the Pennsylvania State Board of Education in 2022 and serves as Chair of the Board's Council of Higher Education.

Rivera, a lifelong educator and leader, is dedicated to ensuring equitable access and funding for education. In September 2014, the White House recognized his transformative efforts in urban education by honoring him as a Champion of Change. He has also held key positions, such as President of the board of directors for the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and member of President- Elect Joseph Biden's educational transition team and Governor Josh Shapiro’s education transition team.

As a first-generation college graduate, Rivera embraces lifelong learning. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University, a Master's degree in Education Administration from Cheyney University, a Superintendent's letter of eligibility from Arcadia University, and a Doctor of Education from the University of Pennsylvania.

He serves on the board of directors for the Aspen Institute K12 Climate Action, Aspen Education Cross-Partisan Education Policy Network, and The Hunt Institute. He demonstrates his commitment to his local community by serving on the boards of Community First Credit Union Lancaster County Community Foundation, Lancaster County STEM Alliance, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, St. Joseph’s University, and WITF Public Broadcasting.

Rivera is a native of Philadelphia (and a fan of all things Philadelphia sports) who warmly calls Lancaster home with his wife Erika, son Lucas, and daughter Elena.

Paul Takac was elected to the House in 2022 to represent the 82nd Legislative District in the heart of Centre County. The district includes the Penn State University Park Campus, roughly half of State College Borough and the nearby townships of College, Harris, and Benner, as well as communities across the northern tier of Centre County -- from Unionville, Snow Shoe and Pine Glen to Milesburg, Howard, and Blanchard.

Takac’s experience in local government includes serving as a member of the College Township Council and as chair of both the Spring Creek Watershed Commission and the Centre Region Council of Government's Public Safety Committee. Takac also brings to the legislature more than 30 years of business experience, including more than two decades in educational technology consulting and sales working with educators across Pennsylvania.

Takac’s policy priorities as state representative include ensuring full and fair funding for education, championing the transition to a clean energy economy and bringing down energy costs, protecting individual rights, supporting working people, and investing in underserved and rural communities.

Rep. Jesse Topper was elected to represent the 78th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Jan. 28, 2014. He is now serving his fifth term in office representing residents of the 78th District, which consists of all of Bedford and Fulton counties. For the 2023-24 session, Topper is serving as the Republican chairman of the House Education Committee.

Topper is a lifelong resident of Bedford County and has two sons. Throughout his life, he has been very active in his community, participating in 4-H and the Boy Scouts, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He also coaches football at Bedford High School, where he was a three-sport athlete.

A homeschooled graduate, Topper earned his bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University. He is also a graduate of Leadership Bedford County and the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School.

As an adult, Topper has remained active in his community, including having served as first and second vice president of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, as well as Bedford Borough Council. He also enjoys playing piano and organ at local churches and serving as a PIAA official in basketball and baseball.

Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. was first elected to the Pennsylvania Senate in November 2016. Before his tenure in the Senate, Langerholc served as an Assistant District Attorney in Cambria County, practiced law privately, and worked as a Richland Township Supervisor, where he focused on making the township more business-friendly to encourage local development.

As Chairman of the Transportation Committee, Langerholc led a bipartisan effort to halt PennDOT’s bridge tolling initiative. His Senate Bill 382, which was signed into law as Act 84 of 2022, safeguarded small businesses and communities. He has continued to pursue initiatives aimed at attracting and expanding businesses across the Commonwealth. During his time as Chairman of the Education Committee, Langerholc played a key role in establishing the School Safety and Security Committee and securing increased funding to enhance student safety in schools. He is also a member of the Appropriations, Judiciary, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committees.

Langerholc is a graduate of Richland High School, Juniata College and Widener University Commonwealth Law School. He lives in Richland Township with his wife, Cortney, and their three daughters.

Senator Jay Costa is the Leader of the Democratic Caucus, first elected to his position in 2010. Previously, he served as Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations and Judiciary Committees.

In addition to a strong leadership role in driving economic development projects in Western PA, Sen. Costa’s legislative record features signature laws in the areas of public education, judicial reform, public safety, job creation, health care, and infrastructure.

A lifelong resident of Allegheny County, Sen. Costa was born and raised in Pittsburgh and lives with his wife Roxanne in Forest Hills. He has two sons, a daughter, and a new grandson.

Senator Costa is a singular champion for Western Pennsylvania in the Senate. Forging close relationships with Governor Shapiro and Senate colleagues, he’s been instrumental in delivering funding, infrastructure, and legislation to Allegheny County.

He spearheaded over $500 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding for Allegheny County over the last several years, along with budget victories for economic development, education, affordable housing, and community safety.

Leading the Senate through the pandemic, Costa was crucial to the passage of Highly Automated Vehicle legislation and creation of PA’s Medical Marijuana Program. He fast-tracked the Fern Hollow Bridge reconstruction and supported economic development for underserved communities.

Senator Costa’s Board, Volunteer and Organizational Commitments

• Trustee, Community College of Allegheny County Board of Trustees
• Trustee, University of Pittsburgh
• Attorney/Principal, Dickie McCamey & Chilcote
• Life Member, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
• Board Member, Duquesne University Board of Directors
• Board Member, Duquesne University Law Alumni Association
• Board Member, Forest Hills Civic Association
• Board Member, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
• Board Member, Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative
• Board Chair, SEA Spots Commission
• Board Member, Senator John Heinz History Center
• Board Member, Three Rivers Wet Weather

A visionary leader in public education, Dr. Carrie Rowe brings 25 years of public education experience to her role as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.  In this role, she provides guidance, support, and oversight to partners in the pre-K–12 field on topics ranging from structured literacy, educational stability, workforce needs, teacher recruitment and retention, and student mental health and well-being.  Dr. Rowe advocates for policies and programs that provide college and career pathways for every student, especially those that include access to expansive dual credit opportunities, high-intensity summer learning, and multilingual programs.  

Before taking a position with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Dr. Rowe served as a Superintendent of Schools in the western region of the state.  Both as a former Superintendent and now as the Secretary, her career has focused on ensuring fairness and justice in resource allocation and eliminating institutional barriers to access and opportunity.

Nancy A. Walker was confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate on June 21, 2023 to serve as Secretary of the Department of Labor & Industry under Governor Josh Shapiro. Since accepting the nomination in January 2023, Walker has remained committed to leading the department's efforts to build a resilient Unemployment Compensation (UC) system, prioritizing the enforcement of Pennsylvania's 13 labor laws, and strengthening Pennsylvania's economy by empowering workers to pursue opportunities like apprenticeships that lead to family-sustaining jobs.

Before serving as Labor & Industry Secretary, Walker served as the first Chief Deputy Attorney General of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General's newly created Fair Labor Section in 2017. Under Walker's leadership, the Fair Labor Section has worked on behalf of workers and law-abiding employers across Pennsylvania to ensure they are being treated fairly and lawfully and has served as lead counsel in matters of national importance, including lawsuits bringing Administrative Procedure Act challenges to amendments to the tip and joint employer rules, and has led a successful criminal wage and benefit theft investigation resulting in a $21 million dollar plea deal, the largest case of its kind in the country.

Prior to her appointment as Chief Deputy, Walker focused her private practice on labor and employment law throughout the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions, in federal and state courts, before administrative agencies, and in arbitration and mediation proceedings. She is licensed to practice before state and federal courts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a Fellow of The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and was a long-time volunteer with the Support Center for Child Advocates.

Walker comes from a family of teachers and steelworkers. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.