HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro has announced the nomination of Dr. Carrie Rowe as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and Jessica Shirley as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The nominations, unveiled on February 18, reflect the administration’s commitment to experienced leadership in advancing education and environmental protection. Both appointments are pending confirmation by the Pennsylvania Senate.
Dr. Rowe, currently serving as Deputy Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education at PDE, brings 25 years of public education experience. Her tenure includes leadership as a western Pennsylvania school superintendent, where she implemented policies to ensure equitable allocation of resources and removed institutional barriers to opportunity. Her work with PDE has centered on priorities like structured literacy, career readiness, teacher recruitment, and student mental health.
“I am honored to be nominated to lead the Department of Education in service of the Commonwealth’s learners, educators, and communities,” Dr. Rowe stated. “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.”
Jessica Shirley, Acting Secretary of DEP, has established herself as a leader in environmental policy for over a decade. She has played a significant role in environmental justice efforts and has guided DEP initiatives to streamline permitting, protect public health, and promote sustainable practices. Shirley was also instrumental in addressing critical issues such as PFAS contamination and Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts.
“As someone who has dedicated their career to public service, it’s an honor to be nominated to lead the Department of Environmental Protection,” Acting Secretary Shirley said. “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.”
Governor Shapiro expressed his confidence in both nominees, stating, “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.” He emphasized, “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.”
House Education Committee Chairman Peter Schweyer voiced his support for Dr. Rowe, highlighting her “decades of experience” and collaborative approach. “Her dedication to ensuring every child has the same educational opportunities, regardless of their zip code, is unquestionable,” Schweyer said.
Under the Shapiro Administration, significant strides have been made in both education and environmental policy. PDE has distributed record funding for public schools, while DEP has significantly improved operational efficiency through technological advancements and has hired additional staff for critical functions.
These nominations aim to continue this progress and provide strong leadership for the departments.
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