Governor Josh Shapiro announced the nominations of Dr. Carrie Rowe to serve as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Jessica Shirley to serve as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Rowe currently serves as Deputy Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education at PDE, while Shirley is the Acting Secretary of DEP.
The nominations are subject to confirmation by the Pennsylvania Senate.
“Dr. Rowe and Acting Secretary Shirley are experienced, dedicated public servants – and I am proud to nominate them to serve as Secretaries and continue their work in education and environmental protection,” said Governor Shapiro. “Dr. Rowe has dedicated her career to ensuring every student has access to a quality education, and Acting Secretary Shirley has been a driving force in safeguarding our environment while streamlining permitting processes and promoting economic growth. Their expertise and leadership will help us build a stronger Commonwealth as we keep working to bring people together, solve problems, and create real opportunity for all Pennsylvanians.”
“I am honored to be nominated to lead the Department of Education in service of the Commonwealth’s learners, educators, and communities,” said Dr. Rowe. “I look forward to working with Governor Shapiro, the General Assembly, and partners in the field to ensure that all Pennsylvania learners have access to a world-class education system and all of the possibilities it brings.”
“As someone who has dedicated their career to public service, it’s an honor to be nominated to lead the Department of Environmental Protection. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, I understand the importance of the mission to protect Pennsylvania’s air, land, and water resources, providing for the health and safety of our residents and businesses,” said Acting Secretary Shirley. “I look forward to working as part of the Shapiro Administration, alongside the dedicated staff at DEP, to continue our mission to protect public health and the environment.”
