Gov. Shapiro picks nominees to lead Education, Environmental Protection departments

PennLive. J.D. Prose

Gov. Josh Shapiro has nominated two current members of his administration to lead the Department of Education and Department of Environmental Protection.

Shapiro has picked Carrie Rowe to serve as secretary of education and Jessica Shirley to be secretary of environmental protection.

Nominees must be confirmed by the state Senate.

Rowe is currently the deputy secretary of elementary and secondary education within the Education Department while Shirley is acting secretary of DEP.

In a statement, Shapiro said Rowe and Shirley “are experienced, dedicated public servants, and I am proud to nominate them to serve as secretaries.”

Shapiro said that Rowe “has dedicated her career to ensuring every student has access to a quality education” while Shirley “has been a driving force in safeguarding our environment while streamlining permitting processes and promoting economic growth.”

Rowe, in that same statement, said she was “honored” by Shapiro’s nomination.

“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,” Rowe said.

Rowe joined the Education Department in 2021 after serving six years as superintendent of the Beaver Area School District in Beaver County.

Shirley also noted the “honor” to continue leading DEP.

“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,” she said in the statement.

During her time with DEP, Shirley has served as a policy director and, most recently, as the executive deputy secretary.

Link: Gov. Shapiro picks nominees to lead Education, Environmental Protection departments