Cynthia D. Shapira, Chairwoman
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.
Cindy also served on Governor Shapiro’s higher education transition team and his working group to develop a blueprint for higher education in Pennsylvania.
She holds a 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.
Dr. Brenda A. Allen
Dr. Brenda A. Allen was named the 14th president of her alma mater, Lincoln University in Pennsylvania on May 11, 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 professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences. Dr. Allen was responsible to the chancellor for the coordination & implementation of the University’s academic programs and promoted quality instruction, research, and university and public service. She had responsibility for developing and administering the academic policies and regulations of the University, and lead responsibility for 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 multiple academic and operating units.
AT WSSU, her many accomplishments included leading revision of 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, 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.
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.
Andrea Shirk
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.
Dr. Ann D. Bieber
Dr. 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.
Senator Jay Costa
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, Senator 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, 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 include being a 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 Chair SEA Sports Commission; Board Member, Senator John Heinz History Center, and Board Member; Three Rivers Wet Weather.
Representative Jesse Topper
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 vicepresident of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, as well as Bedford Borough Council. He also enjoysplaying piano and organ at local churches and serving as a PIAA official in basketball and baseball.
Kenneth Long
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 President Long has achieved significant milestones, including stabilizing the university’s financial condition, enhancing healthcare access by partnering with a regional medical center, and conducting the university’s first academic space utilization study. He also coordinated the upgrading of athletic facilities, 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 PA 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.
Dr. Kara Laskowski
Kara Laskowski Ph.D., (The Pennsylvania State University) is a professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Shippensburg University. Since joining the faculty at Shippensburg in August 2003, she has been a member of the campus community, the discipline of communication studies, and the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF). She has served in multiple leadership functions on campus, including Department Chair (Jan 2008 - present), member of the College of Arts and Sciences Executive Council of College Council, member of multiple presidential search committees, member and co-chair of the University Wide Promotion Committee, and Chair, Council of Chairs and Program Directors. As a contributing member of the National Communication Association (NCA), she currently serves as Vice Chair Elect of the Communication as Social Construction interest division, where she is also a reviewer and representative to the legislative assembly governing body of NCA.
She has published on the topics of identity and communication, communication and sport, and conflict communication in several venues, including peer-edited journals and edited case study volumes, and further contributes as a member of editorial boards, including The Quarterly Journal of Speech (past) and Qualitative Research in Medicine and Healthcare (current). An active member of APSCUF since her hire, she is currently Vice President and has prior service as Legislative Assembly delegate (2014-2022), officer-at-large member of the State Executive Council (2014-2020), Shippensburg University Chapter President (2016-2022), Health & Welfare Fund Trustee (2020-2024), State Meet and Discuss member (Feb 2020) and chair (June 2020 - June 2024), and previously represented APSCUF on Governor Wolf's 2016 Commission on Higher Education Affordability.
Dr. Laskowski is a Pennsylvania native and lifelong resident of the Commonwealth.
Dr. Michael Wade Smith
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.
Sean Eden
Sean Eden is a current senior at Penn State and is studying Sociology with minors in Deaf studies and Spanish. This summer he had the opportunity to intern for Senator Vincent Hughes.
Eden serves as the president of Sign Language Organization and is a member of the student fee board, a volunteer for THON and intern for Penn State social media. He is lookimg forward to representing students across the Commonwealth.
Skyler Wrubleski
Skyler Wrubleski is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Duquesne University, pursuing a dual degree in Biomedical Engineering and Nursing, with a minor in Mathematics. A member of the Honors College, she has held various campus leadership roles such as director of the Orientation program, overseeing a week-long event for over 1,600 new students.
Wrubleski is actively involved in campus ministry, serves as a student conduct board panelist, and is the BME/BSN representative on the Dean's Advisory Board for Nursing. Currently, she supports the promotion of Duquesne's Spiritan mission through student outreach and event programming as the mission animation program assistant. Following graduation, Skyler plans to pursue a PhD in Tissue Engineering and aspires to become a clinical researcher and professor, with a focus on renal diseases.
Richard M. Englert
Richard M. Englert is currently the chancellor of Temple University. He served as president of Temple University for the 2023–24 academic year and stepped down on October 31, 2024. Englert, who joined Temple in 1976 as an assistant to the dean of the College of Education, has a rich history of leadership within the university, including serving as chancellor from July 2021 until September 2023 when he returned to his role as president after the sudden passing on President JoAnne A. Epps. In addition, he continues to contribute to Temple's academic community as a tenured professor in the College of Education and Human Development.
Englert’s extensive leadership roles have included president, chancellor, provost and interim senior vice president for academic affairs, deputy provost, dean of University College, interim dean of the Graduate School, acting provost, vice president for administration, acting director of intercollegiate athletics, associate vice president for administration, executive assistant to the vice president for university administration, and chief of staff to the late President Peter Liacouras.
At the college level, Englert has held positions such as dean of the College of Education; acting chief administrative officer of the School of Podiatric Medicine; acting dean of the formerly named College of Health, Physical Education,Recreation and Dance; associate dean for administration and management at the College of Education; department chair for Policy, Organizational and Leadership Studies; and assistant to the dean of the College of Education. This marks Englert’s third term as the university’s chief executive officer, previously serving as president from 2016 to 2021, and acting president for six months in 2012. The Board of Trustees originally appointed him as chancellor in 2012, and again after his service as the 11th president in 2021.
Michael G. Warfel
Since Spring 2021, Michael Warfel has been the senior vice president of Government Affairs at Highmark Inc., one of the largest health insurance companies in the nation. In this position, Mr. Warfel is responsible for state and federal legislative public policy and regulatory issues. He served as the government affairs director from 1995 until early 2004 before being promoted to vice president in 2004.
In addition to leading government and regulatory affairs across the enterprise, Michael serves on several Highmark boards of directors including Highmark BCBSD Inc., Highmark West Virginia, Highmark Senior Solutions Company, First Priority Health, and First Priority Life Insurance Company, Inc. Prior to joining Highmark Inc., Mr. Warfel was the chief of staff to state Senator Noah W. Wenger. He was employed by Senator Wenger from January 1988 until August 1995.
Mr. Warfel, a Lancaster County native, is chairman of the Millersville University Council of Trustees. He serves on the Pennsylvania State Board of Higher Education and he is a member of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber’s Policy Advisory Council. Also, Mr. Warfel is a past chairman and member of the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children.
Mr. Warfel graduated from Millersville University with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1984. He is also a 1987 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a master’s degree in governmental administration.
Dr. Cheryl A. McConnell
Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, was selected as Saint Joseph’s 29th president in March of 2023 following a period serving as interim president. Before this, Dr. McConnell served as provost and senior vice p resident for Academic Affairs where she oversaw the University’s academic enterprise. Most recently, she led the merger agreement with PA College of Health Sciences and the integration of University of the Sciences.
Dr. McConnell was the dean of the College of Business, Influence, & Information Analysis & the Helzberg School of Management at Rockhurst University, where she was also the associate provost for Academic Affairs. 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, and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. Dr. McConnell was appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro as a member of the State Board of Higher Education. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker invited her to serve on the city’s Eds and Meds Roundtable. Dr. McConnell also serves on the Board of Directors for the AJCU, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of PA (AICUP), the Council of Presidents for the Atlantic 10 Conference, the Board of Directors for The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia & is a member of the City Avenue District Board.
After earning her Master of Professional Accountancy degree & 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 & 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.
Kevin Washo
Kevin Washo joined the University of Pittsburgh as Chancellor Patrick Gallagher’s chief of staff in November 2017. In this role, he works 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. In 2022, Washo became Pitt’s inaugural senior vice chancellor for University Relations. As a key member of the institution’s senior leadership team — and in addition to his chief of staff duties — Washo leads three distinct units: the Office of Government Relations and Advocacy, which manages all outreach, relationships and initiatives between the University and officials at the federal, state and local levels; the Office of Engagement and Community Affairs, which establishes and advances the University’s place-based initiatives — including its urban community engagement center model — in close collaboration with local neighbors and neighborhoods; and the Office of University Communications and Marketing, which 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, a native of Scranton, Pennsylvania, is a proud Pitt alum. He is also 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.
Dr. Khalid N. Mumin
For over 25 years, Dr. Khalid N. Mumin has served in various capacities as a teacher, dean of students, principal and central administrator. Most recently, Dr. Mumin serves as the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education. Prior to this role, he served as the superintendent of schools at Lower Merion School District. Prior to Lower Merion, Dr. Mumin was the superintendent of Reading School District for seven years. Beginning as a secondary English teacher in Scotland, Pennsylvania in 1997, Dr. Mumin rose through the leadership ranks of the education system in Pennsylvania. Dr. Mumin is committed to promoting and sustaining student achievement, equity and access to educational programming for all students, as well as creating plans that are fiscally responsible. He has been recognized nationally as a “School Board Savvy Superintendent,” and is the author of the book entitled Problem Child: Leading Students Living in Poverty Towards Infinite Possibilities of Success.
Dr. Mumin earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Education in Teaching & Curriculum from Pennsylvania State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary English Education from Shippensburg University, and an Associate of Arts in English from Northeastern Christian Junior College.
Nancy A. Walker
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 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 theCommonwealth 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.
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. Walker comes from a family of teachers and steelworkers. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
Bobbie Jo Zapor
Bobbie Jo Zapor is a library assistant at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she also serves as president of Local 763 of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. Ms. Zapor holds bachelor’s degrees in both History and Religious Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in the History of Labor and the American Working Class from Indiana State University, where she was a Deb’s Fellow.
Dr. Pedro A. Rivera
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.
Representative Peter G. Schweyer
Representative Peter G. Schweyer is a member of the PA House of Representatives serving the people of the 134th Legislative District in Lehigh County. He was first elected to this office in 2014 after being twice elected to City Council in his hometown.
Schweyer is a graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School and the Pennsylvania State University, State College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Schreyer Honors College. He studied elementary education at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia at the post-graduate level. Prior to his election, Schweyer worked as director of Community & Government Affairs for Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, directing the hospital's community health & community development initiatives. Prior to his service with Sacred Heart Hospital, he served as chief of staff to former state Rep. Jennifer L. Mann for eight years. He also served as a legislative assistant for two members of the PA General Assembly and was a schoolteacher in the Philadelphia School District.
Schweyer’s legislative priorities include protecting and expanding access to health insurance, appropriately funding PA’s public schools and supporting policies to spur the creation of more family-sustaining jobs in the Lehigh Valley. He supports increasing Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, continued criminal justice reform, investment in sustainable, alternative energy and initiatives to better serve our veterans.
Schweyer serves as Majority Chairman of the Education Committee, has served as a deputy whip in the House Democratic Caucus, and was a member of the House Appropriations Committee. In 2023, Speaker McClinton appointed Schweyer to the PHEAA Board of Directors where he serves as a member of the Committee on Needs Analysis and Aid Coordination. Schweyer was also appointed to serve on the Basic Education Funding Commission. He also serves on several community organizations.
He and his wife, Jennifer, are the proud parents of Sarah & Erin, who both attend Allentown public schools.
Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr.
Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. was first elected to the Pennsylvania Senate in November 2016. Prior to serving in the Senate, Langerholc served as an assistant district attorney in Cambria County, an attorney in private practice and as a Richland Township Supervisor where he worked to make the township more business friendly to encourage development in our community.
As chairman of the Transportation Committee, Langerholc led the bipartisan compromise to stop PennDOT’s bridge tolling initiative with his Senate Bill 382 signed into law as Act 84 of 2022, which protected small businesses and communities. He has sought out new initiatives to attract and grow businesses throughout the commonwealth. He successfully advocated for additional investments in the budget for PennDOT’s design and construction programs as well as the establishment of Airport Land Development Zones. Langerholc has been the leader in bringing the emerging technology of Automated Vehicles and e-scooters to the forefront with Act 24 of 2021 and Act 130 of 2022, respectively. He also serves as a member of the Appropriations, Judiciary, and Veteran
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.