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    State Inspector General

    Michelle Henry

    “I am honored to serve as Pennsylvania’s Inspector General. Our agency holds bad actors accountable and protects the Commonwealth from waste, fraud, and abuse. Working with Governor Shapiro, we can make sure that the Office of Inspector General always has Pennsylvanians’ back."

    Office of State Inspector General
    Portrait of Michelle Henry

    Michelle A. Henry, a life-long public servant and former Attorney General of Pennsylvania, was appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro on January 21, 2025, as Pennsylvania’s twelfth State Inspector General. Widely recognized for her work ethic and singular dedication to public service, Ms. Henry has devoted her career to protecting Pennsylvanians, promoting accountability, and upholding the highest standards of integrity in government.

    Before her appointment as State Inspector General, Ms. Henry served as Pennsylvania’s Attorney General. Initially appointed by Governor Shapiro to complete the remainder of his term, she was subsequently unanimously confirmed by the Pennsylvania State Senate. As the Commonwealth’s chief law enforcement officer, Ms. Henry achieved significant accomplishments, including securing major settlements to hold corporations accountable for their actions. She was instrumental in negotiating historic agreements with opioid manufacturers and distributors, resulting in millions of dollars being directed toward combating the opioid crisis in Pennsylvania. Ms. Henry prioritized public safety by expanding efforts to combat gun violence, dismantling drug trafficking operations, establishing the first human trafficking section, and prosecuting cases of public corruption. She also reinforced the Office’s focus on consumer protection, advocating for Pennsylvanians against fraud, scams, and predatory practices.

    A graduate of Allegheny College and the Widener University School of Law, Ms. Henry began her career at the Bucks County District Attorney’s office. Dedicating more than two decades there, she held critical roles such as Chief of Major Crimes, Chief of Child Abuse, and First Assistant. During her tenure, she successfully prosecuted homicides, sexual assault, child abuse, homicide by vehicle, corruption, domestic assaults and a variety of other cases. In 2008, she was appointed Bucks County District Attorney with bipartisan support, where she led by example, tackled the toughest cases, and spearheaded major initiatives, including establishing the county’s children’s advocacy center.

    Throughout her career, Ms. Henry has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to public service. She is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America. In 2015, she was recognized by the Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Association (PDAA) and honored with the Distinguished Faculty Award, and in 2016, she was a recipient of the Legal Intelligencer’s “Top Women In Law” award. She is also a recipient of Widener University Commonwealth Law School’s 2017 Excellence in Public Service Alumni Award for her extraordinary dedication to justice and public service. In 2024, she was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award, given to Greensburg Salem High School graduates who have distinguished themselves through public service. She has been a member of PDAA’s Education and Training Committee for more than a decade and is a frequent lecturer.

    As Pennsylvania’s State Inspector General, Ms. Henry continues her unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of government operations and serving the people of the Commonwealth with ethics and accountability.