Governor Shapiro Announces First Appointments to New Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities

Appointments follow through on Executive Order signed by Governor Shapiro in April to to expand protections for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and autism

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced 28 appointments to the newly established Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities. The Commission’s purpose is to recommend policy changes across the disabilities spectrum, engage with federal/state/local agencies, communicate Administration initiatives to the public, and compile information on programs, funding, and additional supports to create an inclusive resource for individuals with disabilities and their family members across Pennsylvania.

“Far too often, decisions have been made about people with disabilities, but not with them,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “When I signed new executive orders in April, I made clear that my Administration will not only work to improve services for Pennsylvanians with disabilities, we’ll also give this community a real seat at the table — helping bring about real change and deliver on policies that Pennsylvanians with disabilities actually need. Here, we treat people with respect and dignity, and we believe in listening to Pennsylvanians with disabilities and giving them a seat at the table as policy advisors.”

The Commission was established by Governor Shapiro through Executive Order 2026-02 in April, at the signing ceremony of three EOs to expand protections for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and autism. Commissioners represent Pennsylvanians with intellectual, physical, or developmental disabilities, hearing or vision impairment, and autism — they will serve a two-year term.

“I am truly honored to work with this incredible group of Commissioners, who bring deep lived experience, professional expertise, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of disabled Pennsylvanians,” said Dr. Josie Badger, Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities. “This Commission is about more than having a seat at the table. It is about making sure disabled people are heard, respected, and included in the decisions that affect our lives. I look forward to working together to identify barriers, lift up real solutions, and help build a Commonwealth where people with disabilities can live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities.”

The Commission members are listed below:

Monica Albert Still, Beaver County

Ondrea Burton, Beaver County

Yaduraj Choudhary, Chester County

Everett Deibler, Lehigh County

Oscar Drummond, Philadelphia County

Robin Gow, Lehigh County

Ben Hartranft, Montgomery County

Zachary Hicks, Dauphin County

Rachel Kallem Whitman, Allegheny County

Chaz Kellem, Allegheny County

Joshua  Koch, Lancaster County

Anna Kruk-Corbin, York County

Stacy Jarett Levitan, Delaware County

Amanda Maphis, Erie County

Sara Nye, Dauphin County

William O'Sullivan, York County

Dominick Petrillo, Bucks County

Michael Rader, Schuylkill County

Lori Roberts, Allegheny County

Julianna Rodrigues, Lehigh County

Nicole Sanders, Chester County

Lillian Sellers, Cumberland County

Hunter Steinitz, Allegheny County

Heidi Tuszynski, Erie County

Michelle Walker, Allegheny County

Chris Westbrook, Lycoming County

Vivian Williams, Lackawanna County

Erin Willman, Warren County

Learn more about the Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities here or contact the Commission at Disabilities@pa.gov

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