{"id":177298,"date":"2026-04-27T14:58:33","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T14:58:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/177298\/"},"modified":"2026-04-27T14:58:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T14:58:33","slug":"the-city-state-pa-2026-pennsylvania-power-100","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/177298\/","title":{"rendered":"The City & State PA 2026 Pennsylvania Power 100"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n 1. Josh Shapiro<\/p>\n

Governor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Josh Shapiro
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Buoyed by recent polls showing him leading in this year\u2019s reelection campaign, Gov. Josh Shapiro is in a strategic position nationally as well. He\u2019s frequently mentioned as a 2028 presidential contender, reflecting his popularity as a pragmatic Democrat with a reputation for, as he likes to say, \u201cgetting shit done\u201d \u2013 though recent budget negotiations have put that slogan to the test. Wherever he\u2019s headed, he has the support of a political network honed during his days as Montgomery County commissioner and, later, state attorney general.<\/p>\n

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\n 2. Kim Ward<\/p>\n

President Pro Tempore, Senate of Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Kim Ward
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\n Commonwealth Media Services<\/p>\n

Earlier this year, State Sen. Kim Ward was reelected as the chamber\u2019s president pro tempore, cementing her influence as the Pennsylvania legislature’s first female majority leader. A Westmoreland County Republican, she recently played a key role in actions including removing Pennsylvania from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and reforming the state\u2019s permitting process. She is also known for her work on health policy, having worked as a respiratory therapist and, as a breast cancer survivor, championing measures to expand cancer screening access.<\/p>\n

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\n 3. Joanna McClinton<\/p>\n

Speaker, Pennsylvania House of Representatives<\/p>\n

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Joanna McClinton
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\n PA House Democratic Caucus<\/p>\n

Joanna McClinton is the first woman to serve as speaker of the state House of Representatives, where she presided over passage of the CROWN Act, a historic measure banning hair discrimination, and Pennsylvania\u2019s Working Pennsylvanian Tax Credit. Previously, she was the first woman to chair the Democratic Caucus and to serve as Democratic Leader. A lifelong Philadelphian, she began her career as a public defender and chief counsel to Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams and is an ordained minister at a West Philadelphia church.<\/p>\n

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\n 4. Dave McCormick<\/p>\n

U.S. Senator<\/p>\n

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Dave McCormick
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\n Paul Morigi\/Getty Images for Washington AI Network<\/p>\n

Since ousting longtime U.S. Sen. Bob Casey in 2024\u2019s surprise upset, Republican Dave McCormick has continued to show off his political agility by balancing bipartisan statements and photo-ops with his Democratic colleague, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, with support for President Trump\u2019s initiatives. Like Fetterman, McCormick hails from Western Pennsylvania; prior to his election, he led Bridgewater, one of the world\u2019s largest hedge funds, and before that, he worked in the George W. Bush administration and served in Iraq with the U.S. Army.<\/p>\n

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\n 5. John Fetterman<\/p>\n

U.S. Senator<\/p>\n

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John Fetterman
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\n Tom Williams\/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images<\/p>\n

By now, Fetterman watchers know to expect the unexpected from the state\u2019s senior senator, a Democrat whose popularity with Republicans has been rising in concert with Democratic disaffection. For many, the plainspoken giant from Braddock has become an increasingly unreliable quantity, despite the predictability of his shorts-and-hoodie wardrobe \u2013 parting ways with leftists on Israel, and with his party in favor of Republican initiatives like supporting the Iran war or funding the government in the face of Democrat-led shutdowns \u2013 leading to ever-louder talk of primary challengers.<\/p>\n

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\n 6. Leslie C. Davis<\/p>\n

President & CEO, UPMC<\/p>\n

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For five years, Leslie Davis has led UPMC \u2013 Western Pennsylvania\u2019s largest health provider, insurer and non-governmental employer \u2013 through an era in which healthcare is an increasingly dominant part of both the local and the national economy. Under her leadership, UPMC, a $30 billion health system, has secured historic funding \u2013 including, last year, a $65 million gift for the new UPMC Presbyterian tower \u2013 that has powered an expansion of both its facilities and its ambition. Davis also oversaw a recent merger with Washington Health System.<\/p>\n

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\n 7. Brian Roberts<\/p>\n

Chair & Co-CEO, Comcast<\/p>\n

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Brian Roberts
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\n Drew Angerer\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

Having stewarded Comcast, the Philadelphia-based telecommunications business his father founded, through a period of tremendous worldwide growth, Chair and CEO Brian Roberts decided last year to formally appoint a co-CEO. Mike Cavanagh, his presumptive eventual successor, will have big shoes to fill: Over 35 years, Roberts has steered Comcast from a successful regional provider to a $117 billion, Fortune 50 enterprise serving 50 million people globally. He\u2019s also a major philanthropic presence in his hometown, donating hundreds of millions to institutions like Children\u2019s Hospital of Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

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\n 8. Rob Bresnahan Jr., Brian Fitzpatrick, John Joyce, Mike Kelly, Ryan Mackenzie, Dan Meuser, Scott Perry, Guy Reschenthaler, Lloyd Smucker, Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson<\/p>\n

Republican Members of Congress<\/p>\n

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Starting from the top left: Rob Bresnahan Jr., Brian Fitzpatrick, John Joyce, Mike Kelly, Ryan Mackenzie, Dan Meuser, Scott Perry, Lloyd Smucker & Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson
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\n Jason Ardan\/The Citizens\u2019 Voice via Getty Images; Andrew Harnik\/Getty Images; Provided; U.S. House of Representatives; Allison Robbert\/AFP via Getty Images; Nathan Posner\/Anadolu via Getty Images; U.S. House of Representatives; Office of Congressman Lloyd<\/p>\n

Up for election this year, Pennsylvania\u2019s Republican congressmen \u2013 yes, all men \u2013 are confronting uncomfortable questions about President Trump\u2019s Iran war and whether their party can deliver its 2026 campaign promises of affordability. Upping the ante: Several of the nation\u2019s tightest races are expected to involve Pennsylvania districts.<\/p>\n


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One of them is the 7th Congressional District in the Lehigh Valley, where first-term Rep. Ryan Mackenzie \u2013 who ousted Democrat Susan Wild in a 2026 upset \u2013\u00a0is considered vulnerable. Mackenzie, who holds an MBA from Harvard, previously logged six terms in the state House of Representatives, serving alongside his mother, Milou Mackenzie.<\/p>\n


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Another tight race is shaping up in Northeast Pennsylvania, where first-term Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr. is facing tough questions around his stock trading activity \u2013 and a feisty challenge from Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti. Bresnahan, a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, had flipped the seat red in 2026 after running real estate and construction businesses.<\/p>\n


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In Bucks County, moderate Brian Fitzpatrick is likely to keep his office, thanks to an\u00a0 independent streak: He was one of just two Republicans to vote against Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill last year.\u00a0 Indeed, the former FBI special agent and federal prosecutor has championed cross-party cooperation \u2013 but Democrats are hoping to take back the seat, and their front-runner this fall is Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie.\u00a0<\/p>\n


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John Joyce, a Blair County dermatologist, is a reliable supporter of the president’s policies \u2013 and as a longstanding member of the House Energy Committee, his support is critical as war and surging electricity demand from data centers force a national reckoning around its energy use. As a physician, Joyce is also a f<\/p>\n


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Champion of efforts to bolster rural Health Care and other issues facing his non-urban district.<\/p>\n


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He’s pushing 80, but that hasn’t stopped Mike Kelly from running for a ninth term representing the Erie area. In that corner of the Commonwealth, Kelly’s name is synonymous with his eponymous car dealerships, and he brings his pro-business lands to his role as chair of the House Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax. Kelly also keeps an eye on the borders as co-founder of the Northern Border Security Caucus, an issue very much in the spotlight.<\/p>\n


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Dan Meuser, a former state revenue secretary under then-Gov. Tom Corbett, has represented East-Central Pennsylvania since 2019. He also previously headed Pride Corporation, his family\u2019s mobility equipment business. In 2025, he was an early supporter of Elon Musk\u2019s cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency.<\/p>\n


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Scott Perry, who barely held onto his Capital Region seat in 2024, faces a repeat challenge from former journalist Janelle Stelson in a race that\u2019s considered among the most competitive \u2013 not only in Pennsylvania, but nationally. Perry, a U.S. Army veteran, has been a steadfast champion of the president, his election falsehoods and his administration\u2019s policies.<\/p>\n


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In the Pittsburgh region, fourth-term Rep. Guy Reschenthaler brings military and legal backgrounds to his service on the House Appropriations Committee, serving on three key subcommittees. A former attorney with the U.S. Navy JAG Corps and a onetime state senator, he currently co-chairs four House caucuses \u2013 including the Gaming Caucus, giving him influence on an issue at the top of Pennsylvania\u2019s stateside agenda.<\/p>\n


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Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson, who represents Centre County, has national stature as the influential leader of the House Agriculture Committee. He is a staunch supporter of the president and has championed what he called the myriad benefits for Pennsylvanians, and especially farmers, in last year\u2019s One Big Beautiful Bill. He spearheaded the Agricultural Labor Working Group to confront farm workforce shortages, which have been exacerbated by federal immigration action; he also serves on the Education and Labor Committee and co-chairs the bipartisan Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus.<\/p>\n


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Fiscal hawk Lloyd Smucker scrutinizes government spending on the Committee on Ways and Means and the Budget Committee, where he is a senior member of both. With his message of fiscal prudence, he\u2019s running for a fourth term representing Lancaster and York counties, where he previously ran the family construction business.<\/p>\n

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\n 9. Luke Bernstein<\/p>\n

President & CEO, Pennsylvania Chamber<\/p>\n

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Luke Bernstein
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\n PA Chamber<\/p>\n

Luke Bernstein heads the Pennsylvania Chamber, the state\u2019s largest and most influential business advocacy organization, representing some 13,000 member enterprises. Under his leadership, the PA Chamber has grown its membership by more than one-third in three years; successfully advocated for historic reforms of the state\u2019s corporate tax and its permitting process; and launched the PA Chamber\u2019s Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Institute. A former executive at Orrstown Financial Services, Bernstein also held leadership roles in the administrations of then-Gov. Tom Corbett and then-President George W. Bush.<\/p>\n

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\n 10. Neal Bisno<\/p>\n

International Executive Vice President, SEIU<\/p>\n

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Neal Bisno
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\n Casey Chapman Ross – CCR Studios<\/p>\n

Neil Bisno is more than just one of Pennsylvania\u2019s most revered labor organizers \u2013 he\u2019s also a key architect of the state House Democratic majority, which he helped build through effective campaigns to elect pro-union candidates. In his third term as international executive vice president for SEIU, he continues his career-long crusade for improved labor standards and higher wages \u2013 including, previously, at the helm of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, where he led successful efforts to expand Medicaid access and improve labor standards for healthcare workers.<\/p>\n

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\n 11. Brendan Boyle, Madeleine Dean, Chris Deluzio, Dwight Evans, Chrissy Houlahan, Summer Lee, Mary Gay Scanlon<\/p>\n

Democratic Members of Congress<\/p>\n

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Starting from the top left: Brendan Boyle, Madeleine Dean, Chris Deluzio, Dwight Evans, Chrissy Houlahan, Summer Lee & Mary Gay Scanlon
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\n Eric Connolly, U.S. House Office of Photography\/House Creative Services; Emil Nicolai Helms\/Ritzau Scanpix\/AFP via Getty Images; Nathan Posner\/Anadolu via Getty Images; Office of Dwight Evans; Riccardo Savi\/Getty Images for Concordia Summit; Allison Baile<\/p>\n

With gas and other prices rising fast, thousands losing healthcare coverage and the nation embroiled in the president\u2019s unpopular war, Pennsylvania Democrats see an opportunity to regain political influence.<\/p>\n


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In particular, the delegation\u2019s veterans have seen their profile rise as they’ve spoken out against the prospect of service members wrestling with illegal orders \u2013 a prospect that is increasingly less remote given America’s foreign entanglements.\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Chris Deluzio, an Iraq war veteran, and Chrissy Houlahan, an Air Force veteran, drew charges of sedition and even threats of hanging from President Donald Trump back in November when they were among six members of Congress with military and intelligence backgrounds who released a video urging U.S. service members to refuse to follow illegal orders. Neither Deluzio, a Georgetown Law graduate and onetime voting rights attorney, nor Houlahan, a former businesswoman from Chester County, has backed down \u2013 and their wartime perspective is increasingly relevant on the House Armed Services Committee, where both serve.\u00a0<\/p>\n


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Deluzio, who hails from Southwestern Pennsylvania, brings experience working on election security and cyber threats at Pitt Cyber to the Armed Services Committee\u2019s Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technology, and Innovation; he also serves on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. For her part, Houlahan has championed female service members \u2013 whose qualifications have been questioned by War Secretary Pete Hegseth \u2013 and also serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.<\/p>\n


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Like Houlahan, Brendan Boyle is a Southeast Pennsylvania centrist \u2013 he represents a Philadelphia-area district \u2013 and has forcefully opposed many of the president’s policies, including tariffs and spending cuts. As a ranking member of the House Budget Committee and a member of the Ways and Means Committee, he has crusaded to preserve Medicaid and other entitlements critical to his economically vulnerable district.<\/p>\n


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The longest-serving public servant in the Pennsylvania delegation is Dwight Evans, who was first elected to the General Assembly in 1980 \u2013 and who\u2019s impending retirement from the nation\u2019s most partisan congressional district, in deep-blue Philadelphia, has set off arguably the commonwealth\u2019s most hotly contested race to succeed him. Evans has long been a stalwart fundraiser for his district and a champion of its liberal values.<\/p>\n


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Across the state in Pittsburgh, Summer Lee is serving her second term and represents Democrats\u2019 new, progressive youth flank. The former state representative, a sharp critic of Trump, has consistently come under criticism herself for anti-Israel activism that some say crosses a line \u2013 including, recently, defending a planned appearance with Hasan Piker, an anti-Zionist social media influencer widely considered to be antisemitic.<\/p>\n

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\n 12. Debra Todd<\/p>\n

Chief Justice, Pennsylvania Supreme Court<\/p>\n

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Debra Todd
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\n Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts<\/p>\n

At the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Chief Justice Debra Todd recently presided over a landmark case that could lead to the state\u2019s largest-ever resentencing effort \u2013 a ruling that mandatory life sentences without parole in felony murder cases are unconstitutional. It\u2019s just the latest example of Todd\u2019s influence on the Court, where she is the longest-serving member, having joined in 2007. Todd, a University of Pittsburgh School of Law graduate, has also been an attorney for U.S. Steel and a justice on the Pennsylvania Superior Court.<\/p>\n

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\n 13. Joe Pittman<\/p>\n

Majority Leader, Senate of Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Joe Pittman
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\n Senate Republican Caucus<\/p>\n

Since 2024, State Sen. Joe Pittman has served as Senate majority leader, leading Republican opposition to Gov. Josh Shapiro\u2019s agenda \u2013 and supporting key actions including, recently, removing Pennsylvania from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. He has also highlighted legislative measures around workforce development, infrastructure upgrades and law enforcement. Pittman, a lifelong Indiana County resident who is in his second term representing Western Pennsylvania, also chairs the Rules & Executive Nominations Committee.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\n 14. Matt Bradford<\/p>\n

Majority Leader, Pennsylvania House of Representatives<\/p>\n

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Matt Bradford
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\n PA House Democratic Caucus<\/p>\n

First elected to the state House of Representatives in 2009, Matt Bradford became majority leader when Democrats won the majority in 2023; the Villanova undergraduate and law graduate previously served as House Democratic Appropriations Chair. As majority leader, Bradford has delivered record investments in public education; helped middle-class families through the creation of the state Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit; and expanded the Property Tax Rent Rebate Program to reach more seniors.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\n 15. Cherelle Parker<\/p>\n

Mayor, City of Philadelphia<\/p>\n

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Cherelle Parker
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In her most recent budget address, Philadelphia\u2019s 100th mayor and first woman in the role, Cherelle Parker, characteristically left little doubt as to her priorities: continued investments in tackling homelessness and addiction; bolstering the city\u2019s financially troubled public schools; and finding ways to profit from Philly\u2019s star turn as summer host to the World Cup and America\u2019s 250th celebration. Few Philadelphians would argue with her agenda \u2013 but whether she can push through new hotel and rideshare taxes will be a test of her political skills.<\/p>\n

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\n 16. Dave Sunday<\/p>\n

Attorney General, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Dave Sunday
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While he won office in 2024 as part of a Republican wave, State Attorney General Dave Sunday has hewed to a pragmatic rather than partisan approach. The former York County district attorney, a U.S. Navy veteran, has worked behind the scenes to go after criminals like the Southeastern Pennsylvania drug ring his office busted in 2025. More recently, Sunday, a Harrisburg native, broke with a federal effort to preempt state-level regulation of artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n

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\n 17. Jay Costa<\/p>\n

Democratic Leader, Pennsylvania Senate<\/p>\n

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Jay Costa
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\n James Robinson, PA Senate Democratic Caucus<\/p>\n

State Sen. Jay Costa has led that chamber\u2019s Democratic Caucus since 2010, after serving as Democratic chair of the Senate Appropriations and Judiciary Committees. A lifelong resident of Western Pennsylvania, Sen. Costa is proud of helping secure $500 million for economic development in Allegheny County, along with signature laws around public education, judicial reform, public safety, job creation and healthcare. An integral player in budget negotiations, he recently crusaded for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, cyber charter funding reform, and childcare workforce grants.<\/p>\n

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\n 18. Jesse Topper<\/p>\n

Republican Leader, Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus<\/p>\n

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Jesse Topper
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\n Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus<\/p>\n

In 2024, State Rep. Jesse Topper was chosen by his House Republican colleagues to serve as the leader of their caucus for the 2025-26 session. Topper has represented the 78th District in Southwest Central Pennsylvania since his 2014 election to the House; he is known for championing education initiatives, including school choice and performance-based budgeting for state-related universities. More recently, he lent his support to energy development and permitting reforms in the newest state budget and chairs the Performance Based Funding Council.<\/p>\n

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\n 19. Stacy Garrity<\/p>\n

Treasurer, Pennsylvania Treasury Department<\/p>\n

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Stacy Garrity
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Under the leadership of Stacy Garrity, the Pennsylvania Treasury has returned more than $1 billion in unclaimed property and has become the first state treasury to claim compliance with the Global Investment Performance Standards. Now Garrity, a Republican second-term treasurer, is running for governor on a platform \u2013 and a record \u2013 of fiscal responsibility and government transparency. A former U.S. Army Reserve Colonel and business vice president, she has achieved historic growth for the treasury\u2019s educational savings programs \u2013 including the PA 529 Investment Plan, which is top-ranked nationally.<\/p>\n

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\n 20. Scott Martin, Vincent Hughes<\/p>\n

Co-Chairs, Pennsylvania Senate Appropriations Committee<\/p>\n

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Scott Martin & Vincent Hughes
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\n Commonwealth Media Services; PA Senate Democratic Caucus<\/p>\n

State budget wishlists have to make it past state Sen. Scott Martin, a fiscal hawk who serves as the Republican chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and his Democratic counterpart, Vincent Hughes.<\/p>\n


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Martin, a third-term senator, has a long record of keeping costs down \u2013 dating to his days as a Lancaster County commissioner, when he reduced debt by $40 million. More recently, Martin has critiqued the governor\u2019s budgetary proposals, including potential revenues from legalized recreational cannabis and skill games.<\/p>\n


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Hughes, a Philadelphian, secured $526 million for adequacy supplements to school districts in last year\u2019s budget, helping fulfill his long-standing commitment to equitable K-12 education funding, and. The senator also spearheaded legislation requiring evidence-based reading curricula in public schools.<\/p>\n

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\n 21. Jordan Harris, Jim Struzzi II<\/p>\n

Co-Chairs, Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee<\/p>\n

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Jordan Harris & Jim Struzzi II
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\n PA House Democratic Caucus; PA House of Representatives<\/p>\n

State Reps. Jordan Harris and Jim Struzzi II serve as majority and minority co-chairs, respectively, of the House Appropriations Committee, where they lead negotiations on the state budget.<\/p>\n


\n <\/p>\n

Harris, a Philadelphia Democrat, has championed investments in public education, equitable economic and workforce development. A leading voice on criminal justice reform, he has championed Pennsylvania\u2019s Clean Slate law and community-based violence prevention programs.<\/p>\n


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Struzzi was elected in 2018 to represent Indiana County after previous stints as a PennDOT press secretary and head of the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce. He is a cheerleader for his region\u2019s energy industry and a supporter of pro-business policies.<\/p>\n

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\n 22. Jeff Yass<\/p>\n

Co-Founder, Susquehanna International Group<\/p>\n

Jeff Yass\u2019 propensity for making headlines historically lagged his status as Pennsylvania\u2019s richest man \u2013 a $66 billion net worth at last count \u2013 but that\u2019s changed recently, with the Susquehanna International Group founder and major Trump supporter making high-profile investments in the conservative causes he has long championed. They include millions for the president\u2019s White House ballroom, $100 million to subsidize tuition at the startup University of Austin, tens of millions for MAGA midterm candidates and millions more for PACs supporting issues like school choice.<\/p>\n

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\n 23. David Taylor<\/p>\n

President & CEO, Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association<\/p>\n

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David Taylor
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\n DBohrer, National Association of Manufacturers<\/p>\n

For decades, David Taylor has been among the commonwealth\u2019s most visible advocates for a pro-growth, pro-production agenda on behalf of Pennsylvania makers and doers. He has long helmed the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association, championing business-friendly policy \u2013 most recently, opposing a carbon tax \u2013 and supporting efforts to bolster the state\u2019s energy infrastructure. The Huntingdon native also hosts PMA Perspective on the Pennsylvania Cable Network and Capitol Watch on Lincoln Radio Journal.<\/p>\n

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\n 24. Timothy DeFoor<\/p>\n

Auditor General, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Timothy DeFoor
\n \/
\n Commonwealth Media Services<\/p>\n

Passionate about financial literacy and eagle-eyed toward spreadsheets, state Auditor General Timothy DeFoor is a Republican with bipartisan support. He has turned his anti-fraud lens on entities ranging from municipal pension funds to the state\u2019s Health and Aging departments \u2013 all while making time to tour schools and libraries to nurture prudence in Pennsylvania\u2019s youngest consumers. DeFoor previously won plaudits as Dauphin County controller, where he created the county\u2019s first audit division, and in roles at UPMC and the state\u2019s attorney general and inspector general offices.<\/p>\n

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\n 25. Ryan Boyer<\/p>\n

Business Manager, Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council<\/p>\n

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Ryan Boyer
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\n LiUNA<\/p>\n

A major presence in Philadelphia\u2019s labor and political arenas, Ryan Boyer leads the powerful Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council \u2013 and has a hand in just about every major infrastructure project in the city. Currently, Boyer is working closely with his ally, Mayor Cherelle Parker, to develop more housing \u2013 including spearheading a trade coalition\u2019s $50 million investment to finance a Philadelphia Housing Authority redevelopment project. Boyer is also active with the Philadelphia Equity Alliance and \u201cEverybody Builds,\u201d a construction workforce diversity initiative.<\/p>\n

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\n 26. Austin A. Davis<\/p>\n

Lieutenant Governor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Austin A. Davis
\n \/
\n Commonwealth Media Services<\/p>\n

The country\u2019s youngest and Pennsylvania\u2019s first Black lieutenant governor, Austin Davis, has devoted much of his first term to initiatives around criminal justice and violence prevention. He has guided $85 million in violence intervention and prevention grants to 130 projects statewide; led efforts to reestablish the State Office of Gun Violence Prevention; and championed millions in new funding for community security programs. The Western Pennsylvania native also chairs the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and oversaw a modernization of the state\u2019s Board of Pardons.<\/p>\n

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\n 27. Kenyatta Johnson<\/p>\n

President, Philadelphia City Council<\/p>\n

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Kenyatta Johnson
\n \/
\n Christopher Mansfield\/Philadelphia City Council Communications Office<\/p>\n

Two years into his tenure as president of Philadelphia City Council, Kenyatta Johnson has established himself as a pragmatic, measured leader who nonetheless speaks out when the moment calls for it. Those moments recently included the Trump administration\u2019s removal of slavery exhibits from federal historic sites and its widespread deployment of ICE agents \u2013 actions that prompted strong pushback from Johnson, who was elected to council in 2011. With broad support in City Hall, the former Pennsylvania state representative is now seen as a potential future mayor.<\/p>\n

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\n 28. Kelly Munson<\/p>\n

President & CEO, Independence Health Group<\/p>\n

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Kelly Munson
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

In 2025, veteran health executive Kelly Munson became the first woman to serve as CEO of Independence Health Group, the parent company of Philadelphia-based Independence Blue Cross. She\u2019s fresh off a successful turn leading AmeriHealth Caritas, the leading Medicaid insurer and another Independence-owned company, which Munson joined in 2024. Previously, she served as president of Aetna Medicaid, overseeing an $18.5 billion program, and held leadership roles at Wellcare Health Plans, Medicaid Health Plans of America and the Institute for Medicaid Innovation.<\/p>\n

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\n 29. William Demchak<\/p>\n

Chair & CEO, PNC Financial Services Group<\/p>\n

William Demchak serves as CEO and board chair for Pittsburgh-based PNC Financial Services Group, the nation’s sixth-largest bank, which currently manages $574 billion in assets. He joined the outfit in 2002 and is known for his keen strategic vision \u2013 as evidenced by a recent $1 billion national expansion, with new branches across the U.S. and the debut of a digital banking platform. The Pittsburgh native is also a devoted booster of his home region, serving as downtown chair for the Allegheny Conference.<\/p>\n

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\n 30. James Snell<\/p>\n

Business Manager, Steamfitters Local 420<\/p>\n

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James Snell
\n \/
\n Ceisler Media<\/p>\n

As business manager of Steamfitters Local 420 in Philadelphia, James Snell represents a 350,000-plus-strong workforce of plumbers, welders and HVAC technicians throughout Southeast Pennsylvania. He joined the Steamfitters 35 years ago as a fitter himself and now represents his membership as a delegate to the AFL-CIO and the National Steamfitters. In addition, Snell represents the Philadelphia Building Trades on the Philadelphia Port Authority Advisory Committee and, along with Local 420, on the Zoning Board of Adjustments.<\/p>\n

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\n 31. Mark Alderman<\/p>\n

Chair, Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies<\/p>\n

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Mark Alderman
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\n Cozen O’Connor<\/p>\n

Mark Alderman brings deep civic and political know-how to Cozen O\u2019Connor Public Strategies, the lobbying and public affairs branch he founded and chairs at the eponymous Top 100 law firm. Alderman brings a particular expertise in the healthcare and cannabis sectors to his work advancing clients\u2019 interests with lawmakers and regulatory personnel in local, state, and federal government. His background includes roles with the Democratic National Committee and the Obama-Biden Presidential Transition Team, and he chairs the Board of Trustees at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.<\/p>\n

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\n 32. Joseph Hill<\/p>\n

Managing Director, Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies<\/p>\n

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Joseph Hill
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\n Cozen O\u2019Connor<\/p>\n

A regular on lists of Philadelphia’s most influential, Joseph Hill is the managing director at Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, where he helps clients from across the Mid-Atlantic region handle government affairs and regulatory services at local, state and federal levels. The Philadelphia native and Georgetown University graduate has held leadership roles with then-Gov. Tom Wolf’s reelection campaign, former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, and the 2016 Democratic National Convention Committee. He recently joined the board of the Committee of Seventy, a nonpartisan good-government organization.<\/p>\n

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\n 33. Jim Davis<\/p>\n

Executive Vice President & Pennsylvania State Director, Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies<\/p>\n

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Jim Davis
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\n Cozen O’Connor<\/p>\n

Over the past decade, Harrisburg-based lobbyist Jim Davis has built a top-ranked bipartisan state and local government relations practice at Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, where he is executive vice president and Pennsylvania state director. He advises Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits and high-growth startups across sectors including healthcare, energy, emerging technology and cannabis. His recent successes include negotiating a 30-year pact bringing major U.S. Golf Association championships to Pennsylvania and delivering eight-figure incentives for a national UPS hub in Lower Swatara Township.<\/p>\n

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\n 34. William C. Sproule<\/p>\n

Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters<\/p>\n

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William C. Sproule
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\n EASRCC<\/p>\n

As the longtime executive secretary-treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, William C. Sproule represents over 43,000 members across Pennsylvania, five other states and Washington, D.C. Under his leadership, the union recently secured a 208,000-square-foot headquarters at the Philadelphia Navy Yard that will host a state-of-the-art training center. He also consolidated multiple training funds into one streamlined system \u2013 improving efficiency, standardizing curricula and expanding educational opportunities.<\/p>\n

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\n 35. Michael Innocenzo<\/p>\n

Executive Vice President & COO, Exelon<\/p>\n

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Michael Innocenzo
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\n Exelon<\/p>\n

As executive vice president and chief operating officer for Exelon, Michael Innocenzo is responsible for six utilities, including PECO, and chairs the board of directors for each operating company, which collectively rank among the nation’s most reliable utilities. Under his leadership, the Exelon Promise initiative partnered with local nonprofits to deliver $60 million in relief to struggling families and businesses in the area. He previously served as PECO\u2019s president and CEO and, in 2021, was named a Most Admired CEO by Philadelphia Business Journal.<\/p>\n

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\n 36. Neeli Bendapudi<\/p>\n

President, Pennsylvania State University<\/p>\n

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Neeli Bendapudi
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\n Michelle Bixby\/Penn State<\/p>\n

Last fall, the board of Penn State voted to give President Neeli Bendapudi a very hefty raise \u2013 from $950,000 to $1.4 million \u2013 reflecting its faith in the India-born marketing scholar and her vision for the state\u2019s flagship public research university. Bendapudi, now the nation\u2019s second-highest-paid public university president, assumed the post three years ago and is guiding a consolidation that will close seven campuses in order to stabilize Penn State\u2019s finances in an era of declining enrollments and federal funding.<\/p>\n

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\n 37. John Fry<\/p>\n

President, Temple University<\/p>\n

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John Fry
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\n Temple University<\/p>\n

Last month, new Temple University President John Fry showed up in Harrisburg to request a 16% increase in state funding \u2013 the first inflation-adjusted raise in seven years \u2013 allowing the school to keep tuition flat for Pennsylvania residents. The ask was both part of his new strategic plan for the university and an example of the fundraising prowess that has made Fry one of the hottest commodities in Pennsylvania higher education \u2013 most recently at Drexel University, where he was president for 14 years.<\/p>\n

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\n 38. Mike Long<\/p>\n

Partner, Long Nyquist & Associates<\/p>\n

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Mike Long
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\n Barry Kidd<\/p>\n

With his business partner, Todd Nyquist, Mike Long founded Harrisburg\u2019s largest lobbying firm, Long Nyquist & Associates, as well as LN Consulting, which in 2024 directed Attorney General Dave Sunday\u2019s winning campaign. Long helped steer the firm\u2019s recent acquisition of the public affairs outfit Pugliese Associates, bringing Long Nyquist\u2019s client list to nearly 140 across sectors from gaming and health care to infrastructure and higher education. Long previously served a quarter-century as the majority staff administrator in the Pennsylvania Senate.<\/p>\n

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\n 39. Todd Nyquist<\/p>\n

Partner, Long Nyquist & Associates<\/p>\n

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Todd Nyquist
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\n Barry Kidd<\/p>\n

Behind the scenes and out of the political spotlight, Todd Nyquist has quietly built one of the most influential careers in Pennsylvania politics. The Cumberland County resident is a founding partner, with Mike Long, of Long Nyquist & Associates, one of Pennsylvania\u2019s leading public affairs firms. Earlier, Nyquist served as a senior adviser to Pennsylvania Senate leadership, helping shape policy and legislative strategy during a period of sustained Republican control of the chamber.<\/p>\n

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\n 40. Kevin Mahoney<\/p>\n

Chief Executive Officer, University of Pennsylvania Health System<\/p>\n

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Kevin Mahoney
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\n Peggy Peterson<\/p>\n

As CEO of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, the clinical enterprise of Penn Medicine, Kevin Mahoney is building on his 30-year legacy of advancing regional medical care. Currently, he is advancing technological integration, including AI, while steering the expansion of Penn Medicine\u2019s three-state network, which includes major facilities in Bucks County, Princeton, and the Roberts Proton Therapy Center at Penn Presbyterian. Mahoney also co-founded the Fund for Health with the Wharton School, which invests in enterprises focused on the social determinants of health.<\/p>\n

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\n 41. Roy Wells<\/p>\n

President & Managing Director, Triad Strategies<\/p>\n

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Roy Wells
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\n Triad Strategies<\/p>\n

Roy Wells is the founder and CEO of Triad Strategies, one of Pennsylvania\u2019s leading public affairs firms, with a comprehensive services model that integrates communications, grassroots advocacy and business development. He previously honed his political and financial skills during seven years in state government, serving in the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Treasury Department. A graduate of Fairfield University and Penn State, he is active with the Philadelphia Police Athletic League and the Public Affairs Council.<\/p>\n

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\n 42. Doug Rohanna<\/p>\n

Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Triad Strategies<\/p>\n

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Doug Rohanna
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\n Creative House<\/p>\n

Now Triad Strategies\u2019 senior vice president for public affairs, Doug Rohanna has served as then-Gov. Ed Rendell\u2019s communications director, as deputy state treasurer and as chief of staff to the Pennsylvania House minority leader. His success managing public affairs campaigns and advocating for clients at local, state and federal levels has earned him the respect of leaders across parties and industries. Most recently, he supported the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association in their efforts to enact workers compensation benefits for job-related trauma.<\/p>\n

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\n 43. Bob Shuster<\/p>\n

Founder, One+ Strategies<\/p>\n

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Bob Shuster
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\n Philter Photography<\/p>\n

Bob Shuster co-founded One+ Strategies and now helps manage its daily operations and guide the firm\u2019s strategic growth; over the past three years, One+ has grown its team from 17 to 28. Meanwhile, his clients benefit from Shuster\u2019s particular expertise in federal appropriations, transportation and energy infrastructure projects \u2013 including, recently, structuring complex financing for the development of a community sports complex and securing federal and state funding for a municipal authority expansion project. He holds bachelor\u2019s and law degrees from Penn State.<\/p>\n

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\n 44. Kim Pizzingrilli<\/p>\n

Government Relations Consultant, One+ Strategies<\/p>\n

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Kim Pizzingrilli
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\n Philter Photography<\/p>\n

At One+ Strategies, founder Kim Pizzingrilli\u2019s effectiveness in government relations owes much to her experience as a Pennsylvania public utility commissioner, secretary of the commonwealth and state government affairs chair for a law firm. With expertise in energy, infrastructure, water and economic development, she has been instrumental in efforts to authorize new generation sources and develop data centers, and recently expanded the firm\u2019s services in the AI space as well as its communications offerings. She holds a master’s in governmental administration from the University of Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

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\n 45. Dennis Giorno<\/p>\n

Partner, Malady & Wooten<\/p>\n

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Dennis Giorno
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\n Amy Yasenchak<\/p>\n

Dennis Giorno brings a bipartisan approach and a quarter-century of experience in government affairs and legislative advocacy to Malady & Wooten, where he is a partner. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the effort to make permanent new immunization and other authorities granted to pharmacists and technicians; more recently, he is working on bipartisan criminal justice reform. Giorno currently chairs the Council of Trustees at Kutztown University and is active in Bridge Educational Foundation, a nonprofit.<\/p>\n

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\n 46. PJ Lavelle<\/p>\n

Partner, Malady & Wooten<\/p>\n

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PJ Lavelle
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\n Amy Nastick Photography<\/p>\n

For nearly 20 years, Malady & Wooten lobbyist PJ Lavelle has helped clients from large corporations to small outfits navigate the complex world of government across sectors including healthcare, economic development, information technology, utilities and transportation. Prior to joining the firm, where he is a partner, Lavelle served as a senior policy advisor to state House Democrats, playing a key role in legislation that has changed the face of Pennsylvania \u2013 including then-Gov. Ed Rendell’s Energy Independence Strategy and the Rebuilding PA infrastructure investment package.<\/p>\n

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\n 47. John Bear<\/p>\n

CEO & Chief Innovation Officer, GSL Public Strategies Group<\/p>\n

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John Bear
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\n Sally Belle Photography<\/p>\n

John Bear currently serves as CEO and chief innovation officer at GSL Public Strategies Group. He recently steered GSL\u2019s expansion into New Jersey, opened its office in downtown Pittsburgh and launched GSL Touring, a division focused on live events and concert tours. He also serves on the Executive Committee for The Stevens & Lee Companies, GSL\u2019s parent, and as secretary and regional legislative officer of the Pennsylvania Builders Association. Bear previously held management roles with KPMG and BearingPoint and served as a state representative.<\/p>\n

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\n 48. Laura Kuller<\/p>\n

Founder & Principal, Pursuit Advocacy<\/p>\n

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Laura Kuller
\n \/
\n Emily B Photography<\/p>\n

Since founding Pursuit Advocacy four years ago, Laura Kuller has earned a reputation for effective state-level advocacy in the Capitol, with recent legislative wins around timely education and healthcare issues. Kuller previously led state government affairs in Harrisburg for a national law firm; she also held roles with the state Attorney General\u2019s Office and served as counsel and chief of staff for leaders of the state House of Representatives.<\/p>\n

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\n 49. Corey O’Connor<\/p>\n

Mayor, City of Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

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Corey O’Connor
\n \/
\n The Allegheny County Controller\u2019s Office<\/p>\n

Ever since upsetting Pittsburgh’s incumbent mayor, the progressive Ed Gainey, in last year’s primary on the way to his November election, Democrat Corey O’Connor has generated as much buzz for his hopeful, optimistic demeanor as for his policies. The son of another Pittsburgh mayor, O’Connor previously also held his father’s old City Council seat and served as Allegheny County controller. Now he promises to bring a more pragmatic approach to Pittsburgh\u2019s public safety, finances and downtown revitalization challenges.<\/p>\n

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\n 50. Sara Innamorato<\/p>\n

County Executive, Allegheny County<\/p>\n

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Sara Innamorato
\n \/
\n Allegheny County<\/p>\n

As Allegheny County executive since 2024, Sara Innamorato has championed inclusion and dignity for the county\u2019s 1.2 million residents. Her administration\u2019s signature programs include Main Streets Allegheny, a $4 million downtown economic development program, and “500 in 500,” which exceeded by 25% its goal of moving 500 people out of shelter and into housing units in as many days; mostly recently, Innamorato signed an executive order creating a Housing Investment Fund. Currently, she is gearing Pittsburgh up to host the 2026 NFL Draft.<\/p>\n

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\n 51. Madeline Bell<\/p>\n

CEO, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia<\/p>\n

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Madeline Bell
\n \/
\n Children\u2019s Hospital of Philadelphia<\/p>\n

As CEO of the Children\u2019s Hospital of Philadelphia, Madeline Bell leads a nationally top-ranked institution that is No. 1 on Forbes\u2019 2022 list of America\u2019s Best Large Employers. Under her leadership, CHOP has expanded its impact through upgrades to its home campus and major new facilities, including a King of Prussia inpatient hospital and a Philadelphia behavioral health facility. Bell hosts a CHOP-focused podcast, serves on the Executive Committee of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and is the honorary consul of Spain.<\/p>\n

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\n 52. David Holmberg<\/p>\n

CEO, Highmark Health<\/p>\n

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David Holmberg
\n \/
\n Highmark Health<\/p>\n

As CEO of Highmark Health, David L. Holmberg leads a $29 billion, Pittsburgh-based organization that includes one of America’s largest Blue Cross Blue Shield insurers, a growing regional hospital and physician network, and numerous affiliated businesses, including the Allegheny Health Network. In 2025, he was the Pittsburgh Business Times\u2019 C-Suite Awards Impact Winner and listed among Modern Healthcare\u2019s 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare. He currently chairs The Allegheny Conference on Community Development and The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Board of Directors.<\/p>\n

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\n 53. Daniel Hilferty<\/p>\n

CEO & Chair, Comcast Spectacor<\/p>\n

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Daniel Hilferty
\n \/
\n Comcast Spectacor<\/p>\n

As CEO and board chair of Comcast Spectacor, the telecommunications company\u2019s sports and entertainment division, Daniel Hilferty oversees a portfolio that includes the Philadelphia Flyers, the Philadelphia Wings and the newly renovated Xfinity Mobile Arena; he is now working on another arena that will also host the city\u2019s future WNBA team. The former Independence Blue Cross CEO also spearheaded partnerships with that company, Penn Medicine and Bank of America and co-chairs the board for Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the local host organizer for the World Cup.<\/p>\n

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\n 54. Christopher Franklin<\/p>\n

Chair & CEO, Essential Utilities<\/p>\n

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Christopher Franklin
\n \/
\n Essential Utilities<\/p>\n

Christopher Franklin is the chair and CEO of Essential Utilities, one of the nation\u2019s largest publicly traded water, wastewater and natural gas providers. During his tenure \u2013 which includes the 2020 acquisition of Peoples, Pennsylvania\u2019s largest natural gas distribution company \u2013 Essential expanded to 5.5 million customers across nine states. Under Franklin\u2019s leadership, Essential has been recognized among America\u2019s Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek for five consecutive years. He currently chairs the board of directors for the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

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\n 55. Scott Sauer<\/p>\n

General Manager, SEPTA<\/p>\n

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Scott Sauer
\n \/
\n SEPTA<\/p>\n

In 2024, Scott Sauer, a 35-year veteran of the Southeast Pennsylvania Transit Authority, was tapped as interim chief of the nation’s sixth-largest public transit system, tasked with navigating a rough patch that included a $213 million budget deficit and a series of train fires. His ability to navigate these challenges \u2013 lobbying Harrisburg for more funding, implementing efficiencies and new technologies, and reducing system crime \u2013 prompted the board to make the onetime train operator\u2019s latest promotion permanent.<\/p>\n

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\n 56. Wendell Young IV<\/p>\n

President, UFCW Local 1776 Keystone State<\/p>\n

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Wendell Young IV
\n \/
\n UFCW<\/p>\n

Whether supporting Philadelphia Whole Foods workers seeking to organize or serving as trustee of a $35 million state employee pension system, Wendell Young IV is one of Pennsylvania\u2019s most ubiquitous and influential labor leaders. He is the longtime president of UFCW Local 1776 Keystone State, a 35,000-member union that represents workers at supermarkets, drugstores and state-owned liquor stores across the commonwealth and three nearby states. Young, who began his career as an Acme retail employee, is also a vice president of the UFCW International Union.<\/p>\n

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\n 57. Aaron Chapin<\/p>\n

President, PSEA<\/p>\n

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Aaron Chapin
\n \/
\n Provided<\/p>\n

Longtime educator and advocate Aaron Chapin serves as president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, which represents some 177,000 members across the Commonwealth. He has championed public education through years of turmoil and transition \u2013 including the COVID-19 pandemic, debates over equitable school funding, and, most recently, artificial intelligence in classrooms. Fortunately, Chapin has perspective on his side: A former Stroudsburg Area Middle School teacher, he has also logged time as PSEA\u2019s vice president and led both its Northeastern Region and the Stroudsburg Area Education Association.<\/p>\n

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\n 58. Al Schmidt<\/p>\n

Secretary of the Commonwealth, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Al Schmidt
\n \/
\n Commonwealth Media Services<\/p>\n

Appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro to be Pennsylvania’s secretary of the commonwealth in 2023, Al Schmidt brings an extensive background in government integrity and the inner workings of democracy. He previously led the Committee of Seventy, a nonprofit, nonpartisan good-government organization, and served a decade as a Philadelphia city commissioner, helping oversee the Board of Elections. The Pittsburgh native has also held federal roles, most notably as an analyst at the nonpartisan U.S. Government Accountability Office.<\/p>\n

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\n 59. Randy Vulakovich<\/p>\n

Co-Chair, State & Federal Government Relations, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney<\/p>\n

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Randy Vulakovich
\n \/
\n Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC<\/p>\n

A longtime fixture at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, Randy Vulakovich currently co-chairs state and federal government relations practice, advising clients on legislative and policy strategies. He previously served as the firm\u2019s chief administrative officer, prior to that, as chief business development officer. Dedicated to fostering economic growth through public-private partnerships and innovative policy that improve life in the commonwealth, he serves on the boards of Team Pennsylvania, the PA Chamber of Business & Industry, Leadership Pittsburgh and Duquesne University\u2019s Business Advisory Council.<\/p>\n

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\n 60. Andrew Lewis<\/p>\n

President & CEO, Commonwealth Foundation<\/p>\n

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Andrew Lewis
\n \/
\n Commonwealth Foundation<\/p>\n

As CEO of the Commonwealth Foundation, Andrew Lewis has expanded the reach of Pennsylvania\u2019s free-market think tank, with record-setting fundraising in 2025, policy wins at both the state and federal levels and more than 1,500 earned media placements. He previously served two terms in the Pennsylvania House, advocating for school choice and fiscal restraint; his r\u00e9sum\u00e9 also includes business roles scaling small companies and leading a division of a major regional homebuilder. An Iraq War veteran, he now serves in the Army Reserve.<\/p>\n

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\n 61. Joseph Cacchione<\/p>\n

CEO, Jefferson<\/p>\n

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Joseph Cacchione
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\n Jefferson<\/p>\n

Since 2022, cardiologist Joseph Cacchione has served as CEO of Jefferson Health, Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health Plans. Under his leadership, Jefferson merged with Lehigh Valley Health Network, creating an $18 billion, 65,000-employee system. Cacchione was recently recognized by both the Salvation Army and the Philadelphia Police Athletic League for his community work, which includes steering Jefferson\u2019s nearly $2 billion annually in local philanthropy and chairing the Policy Committee as an Executive Committee member of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

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\n 62. Matt Brouillette<\/p>\n

President & CEO, Commonwealth Partners<\/p>\n

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Matt Brouillette
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\n Commonwealth Partners<\/p>\n

Matt Brouillette is the CEO of Commonwealth Partners Chamber of Entrepreneurs, an independent, nonpartisan membership organization he founded in 2016 to improve Pennsylvania\u2019s economic environment and educational opportunities. Along with its affiliated political action committees, Commonwealth Partners is among the state\u2019s largest funders of candidates who support free enterprise, limited government, personal responsibility and educational freedom. Brouillette previously served as the president and CEO of Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives.<\/p>\n

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\n 63. Rochelle \u201cChellie\u201d Cameron<\/p>\n

President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia<\/p>\n

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Rochelle \u201cChellie\u201d Cameron
\n \/
\n David Rosenblum<\/p>\n

Since assuming leadership of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia in 2022, Rochelle Cameron has established herself as a solid champion for the Southeast Pennsylvania business community \u2013 one she already knows well from her quarter-century managing the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. airports. With close working relationships at City Hall and beyond, Cameron has boosted the region\u2019s profile \u2013 partnering with Visit Philadelphia ahead of a marquee event year for the region \u2013 and advocated for long-sought tax reforms and funding for key sectors.<\/p>\n

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\n 64. Eugene DePasquale<\/p>\n

Chair, Pennsylvania Democratic Party<\/p>\n

Under the leadership of Eugene DePasquale, the state Democratic Party saw its most successful local election in state party history in 2025 \u2013 and statewide Democratic voter registration is also rising, currently at a 2% advantage, reversing recent GOP gains. DePasquale is familiar to Pennsylvanians as the state\u2019s former auditor general, leading efforts to expose nearly $2 billion in wasted spending, and as a former state legislator. He now works closely with Triad Strategies, teaches at the University of Pittsburgh and chairs Natural Allies for Clean Energy.<\/p>\n

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\n 65. Greg Rothman<\/p>\n

Chair, Pennsylvania Republican Party<\/p>\n

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Greg Rothman
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\n Office of Sen. Greg Rothman<\/p>\n

Since taking over leadership of the Pennsylvania GOP last year, state Sen. Greg Rothman has been working to get the party’s message out in an all-important midterm year \u2013 but his efforts to bolster Pennsylvania’s Republican Congressional delegation are facing headwinds from high gas prices, the president’s low approval ratings and a slowdown in state GOP voter registration. The Harrisburg native, a U.S. Marines veteran of Operation Desert Storm, has represented his Central Pennsylvania region in the General Assembly for over a decade.<\/p>\n

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\n 66. Mike Carroll<\/p>\n

Secretary of Transportation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Mike Carroll
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\n Pennsylvania Department of Transportation<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania’s secretary of transportation, Mike Carroll, is dedicated to the commonwealth’s roadways \u2013 and the communities they connect. He previously served as Democratic chair of the Transportation Committee in the House of Representatives, where he served eight terms; along the way, he racked up numerous awards for community service from entities ranging from the Boy Scouts of America to Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries. He currently holds leadership roles with the American and Northeast Associations of State Transportation Officials.<\/p>\n

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\n 67. Nancy A. Walker<\/p>\n

Secretary, PA Department of Labor & Industry<\/p>\n

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Nancy A. Walker
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\n Commonwealth Media Services<\/p>\n

Upon her 2023 appointment as Pennsylvania\u2019s secretary of labor & industry, Nancy Walker set about overhauling the state\u2019s backlogged unemployment compensation system \u2013 processing cases, cutting call wait times and expanding access through new digital tools. Since then, the Pitt Law graduate has strengthened labor law enforcement \u2013 child labor investigations are up some 40% \u2013 and led L&I\u2019s efforts to counter federal rollbacks of protections for workplace safety, minimum wage and overtime. Walker previously served as chief of the state Attorney General\u2019s Fair Labor Section.<\/p>\n

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\n 68. Reggie McNeil<\/p>\n

Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of General Services<\/p>\n

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Reggie McNeil
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\n Commonwealth Media Services<\/p>\n

Reggie McNeil serves as Pennsylvania\u2019s secretary of general services, guiding the state government agency that procures goods and services and manages the commonwealth\u2019s real estate and facilities portfolio and its non-highway capital projects. Under his leadership, the state has expanded and diversified contracting opportunities to include more small spending with small and local businesses. McNeil, who studied engineering, is also a U.S. Navy veteran and previously served as COO of the School District of Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

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\n 69. Akbar Hossain<\/p>\n

Secretary Policy & Planning, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Akbar Hossain
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\n Commonwealth of PA<\/p>\n

As Pennsylvania\u2019s secretary of Policy and Planning, Akbar Hossain helps drive Gov. Josh Shapiro\u2019s agenda through historic investments in education, tax cuts for working families and workforce development initiatives. Thanks in part to Hossain\u2019s efforts, the administration is celebrating a 35% decline in the state\u2019s homicide rate since 2022 and several straight years of rising school attendance and graduation rates. Hossain previously directed the Shapiro-Davis transition and oversaw policy for the Shapiro for Pennsylvania campaign, helping shape the administration\u2019s policy vision from the start.<\/p>\n

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\n 70. Russell Redding<\/p>\n

Secretary of Agriculture, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Russell Redding
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\n Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture<\/p>\n

When he\u2019s not strategizing around the avian flu epidemic or promoting grants to help new farmers, Pennsylvania\u2019s Secretary of Agriculture, Russell Redding, tends to his own Gettysburg farm. The secretary, a former dean of Delaware Valley University\u2019s School of Agriculture, brings a lifetime of farming experience to the commonwealth\u2019s Department of Agriculture, which he has led under three governors. Redding also serves on the Agriculture Subcommittee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Equity Commission.<\/p>\n

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\n 71. Rick Siger<\/p>\n

Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development<\/p>\n

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Rick Siger
\n \/
\n Commonwealth Media Services<\/p>\n

As Pennsylvania\u2019s secretary for community and economic development, Rick Siger led 2024 efforts to create Pennsylvania\u2019s first comprehensive economic development plan in decades. That strategy has already guided some $40 billion in private-sector investment and helped spur 22,400 new jobs since 2023. The Pittsburgh native came to Harrisburg from Carnegie Mellon University, where he was chief of staff and senior advisor to the president; he also held a series of White House roles under then-President Barack Obama.<\/p>\n

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\n 72. Carrie Rowe<\/p>\n

Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Education<\/p>\n

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Carrie Rowe
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\n Commonwealth Media Services<\/p>\n

Lifelong educator Carrie Rowe was appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro in 2025 as Pennsylvania\u2019s secretary of education. Under her leadership, the commonwealth has advanced initiatives to accelerate teacher certification \u2013 notably, with the Accelerated Special Educator Certification Program \u2013 invest in student teachers, provide universal free breakfast for public school students, and expand college and career pathways. Rowe, who has more than 25 years of public-education experience as a teacher and administrator, is widely recognized for championing evidence-based literacy and building strong partnerships between schools and communities.<\/p>\n

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\n 73. Angela Ferritto<\/p>\n

President, Pennsylvania AFL-CIO<\/p>\n

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Angela Ferritto
\n \/
\n Hartman Benzon<\/p>\n

Labor leader Angela Ferritto made history as the first female president of Pennsylvania\u2019s AFL-CIO, where she crusades for greater diversity in the trades. She also chairs the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board\u2019s Apprenticeship and CTE Committee and serves as president of Union Energy, an organization she helped launch to ensure workers\u2019 influence in policy and the new-energy economy. Ferritto served on Gov. Josh Shapiro\u2019s transition team and was appointed by former Gov. Tom Wolf to the state\u2019s Unemployment Compensation Advisory Board.<\/p>\n

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\n 74. Gregg MacDonald<\/p>\n

Interim President, AmeriHealth Caritas<\/p>\n

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Gregg MacDonald
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\n AmeriHealth Caritas<\/p>\n

A veteran of several of the nation\u2019s largest public health insurers \u2013 including UnitedHealth, Cigna, and Aetna \u2013 Gregg MacDonald currently serves as interim president of AmeriHealth Caritas, where he previously served as executive vice president for specialty products and network. Under his leadership, AmeriHealth Caritas saw four of its Pennsylvania Medicaid plans earn top national ratings and another plan attain a 4-star rating from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. He is active with the Association of Health Insurance Plans.<\/p>\n

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\n 75. Matt Yarnell<\/p>\n

President, SEIU Healthcare PA<\/p>\n

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Matt Yarnell
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\n SEIU Healthcare PA<\/p>\n

Matthew Yarnell is president of SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, the state\u2019s largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in the state, representing over 25,000 caregivers. Yarnell started organizing as a nursing assistant at a long-term care facility, rising through the union ranks before his election as president in 2016.<\/p>\n


\n <\/p>\n

Under his leadership, over the past year, the union organized 900 practitioners at Magee-Womens Hospital; secured strong contracts for workers at UPMC Altoona and WellSpan Chambersburg; and won a state minimum wage of $15 for 8,500 home care workers.<\/p>\n

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\n 76. Larry Krasner<\/p>\n

District Attorney, City of Philadelphia<\/p>\n

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Larry Krasner
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\n Drew Hallowell\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

Philadelphia\u2019s proudly progressive district attorney, Larry Krasner, is starting his third term at the peak of his political game \u2013 pointing to low crime rates, galvanizing Philadelphians to resist encroachments on their civil liberties, and threatening to throw ICE agents in jail if they overstep at the airport (he means it: Krasner is a founder of Fight Against Federal Overreach, a national coalition of local prosecutors). It\u2019s a very different scenario from four years ago, when state House Republicans impeached the DA over the pandemic-era crime surge.<\/p>\n

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\n 77. Stephen P. Fera<\/p>\n

Executive Vice President, Public Affairs; President, Government Markets, Independence Blue Cross<\/p>\n

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Stephen P. Fera
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\n Independence Blue Cross<\/p>\n

A widely respected figure in Pennsylvania healthcare and policy circles, Steve Fera serves as executive vice president of public affairs and president of government markets for Independence Blue Cross. He oversees the company\u2019s nationally recognized Medicare Advantage plans, government and community affairs, and the $140 million IBX Foundation. His leadership \u2013 including a 2024 expansion of the Foundation\u2019s school-based mental health program with Children\u2019s Hospital of Philadelphia \u2013 helped garner IBX repeated recognitions as one of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia\u2019s most community-minded employers.<\/p>\n

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\n 78. Robert P. Mauch<\/p>\n

President & CEO, Cencora<\/p>\n

Robert Mauch, who began his career as a pharmacist, now serves as CEO of Cencora, the pharmaceutical giant that consistently ranks #10 on the Fortune 500, with $290 billion in annual revenue. Prior to assuming his post in 2024, Mauch served as executive vice president and COO for the Conshohocken-based company he first joined in 2007, when it was known as AmerisourceBergen. He holds doctorates in both pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, and also founded a pharmaceutical economics consultancy, Xcenda.<\/p>\n

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\n 79. Ben Connors<\/p>\n

President & CEO, General Building Contractors Association<\/p>\n

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Ben Connors
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\n Laura Hoffman Media<\/p>\n

Over a dozen years as CEO of the General Building Contractors Association, Ben Connors has cultivated workforce partnerships and grown opportunities for union contractors across Southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. He is also a trustee for $11 billion in union benefit and training funds. The Philadelphia native, who holds a law degree from Rutgers University, chairs the Executive Leadership Council for the board of the Associated General Contractors of America and is a founding board member of Everybody Builds, a Philadelphia-area inclusive workforce initiative.<\/p>\n

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\n 80. John Bane<\/p>\n

Director, Government Affairs, EQT Corporation<\/p>\n

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John Bane
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\n Kaitlin Brinser<\/p>\n

Seasoned lobbyist John Bane plays a key role in state energy policy as the director of government affairs for EQT Corporation, the nation\u2019s leading natural gas producer. He leads state government affairs activity in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, and is credited with helping EQT exceed its landmark emissions goals. Bane also serves as an executive board member of the Marcellus Shale Coalition; a former industry lobbyist, he has worked for Gov. Ed Rendell and a statewide labor union.<\/p>\n

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\n 81. Angela Val<\/p>\n

President & CEO, Visit Philadelphia<\/p>\n

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Angela Val
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\n Visit Philadelphia<\/p>\n

At the center of Philadelphia\u2019s preparations for a marquee year is Angela Val, who as CEO of Visit Philadelphia is making sure the city impresses its global audience for America\u2019s 250th and the World Cup. She partnered Visit Philadelphia with TED Talks for a high-profile, multi-year series on American democracy, and collaborates with the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, where she previously oversaw a variety of projects. A 20-year veteran of Philadelphia\u2019s tourism industry, she was tapped to lead the city\u2019s post-pandemic economic revitalization initiative.<\/p>\n

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\n 82. Justin Douglas, Bob Harvie<\/p>\n

Chair; Vice Chair, Dauphin County Commission; Bucks County Commission<\/p>\n

Justin Douglas, who chairs the Dauphin County Commission, and Bob Harvie, who serves as vice chair of the Bucks County Commission, offer both evidence of the impact commissioners can have at Pennsylvania\u2019s influential county level \u2013 and, if they\u2019re successful in November, beyond: Both Democrats are first-time candidates for Congress.<\/p>\n


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Douglas holds degrees in religion and worked as a pastor before his election in 2023. With an emphasis on concern for society’s most vulnerable, Douglas has led efforts to safeguard voter rights, eliminate prisoner debt, establish a $16-an-hour minimum wage for county employees and bring more transparency to the county contract bidding process.<\/p>\n


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Harvie, who served as chair last year, was elected to the commission in 2019 after previously setting a record as Falls Township’s longest-serving chair of the Board of Supervisors \u2013 12 years \u2013 during which he spearheaded investments in local infrastructure. He also taught and chaired the department of social studies at Bucks County Technical High School for decades.<\/p>\n

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\n 83. C. Frank Igwe<\/p>\n

President, Moravia Health<\/p>\n

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C. Frank Igwe
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Last year, Penn State Alumni Fellow C. Frank Igwe motivated fellow graduates of his doctoral alma mater as the commencement speaker for the university\u2019s College of Information Sciences and Technology. Igwe\u2019s own story is plenty inspirational: the entrepreneur founded Moravia Health in Philadelphia in 2012 and, as president, has grown the home healthcare agency into a top-ranked outfit with services across 21 states and nearly 10,000 employees \u2013 as well as a philanthropic arm, Moravia Cares, that has provided food, clothes and school supplies to thousands.<\/p>\n

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\n 84. Michael Newmuis<\/p>\n

Director, Philadelphia 2026, City of Philadelphia<\/p>\n

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Michael Newmuis
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\n Vernon Ray Jr, Creative Mind Productions<\/p>\n

As the nation\u2019s first capital gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday \u2013 along with the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Navy and the Marine Corps and several FIFA World Cup matches \u2013 Michael Newmuis is the man in charge of the parties. He was appointed by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker to direct the city\u2019s preparations for the millions expected to attend the festivities. Newmuis draws on his experience in leadership roles at Visit Philadelphia and FS Investments and as executive director of the FS Foundation.<\/p>\n

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\n 85. David Davis<\/p>\n

Managing Director, Client Account Lead, Accenture<\/p>\n

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David Davis
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\n Lisa Nicole Images LLC<\/p>\n

A two-decade veteran of large-scale change initiatives, David Davis is the managing director at Accenture in his hometown of Philadelphia, where he also serves as the Pennsylvania Public Service Practice Leader. He expanded the firm\u2019s statewide recruiting with the Keystone Innovation and Talent Hub and is the executive sponsor for a program modernizing permitting, licensing, and certification. An alumnus and trustee of Penn State, he recently approved the transfer of its public radio and television station to Philadelphia\u2019s WHYY, ensuring long\u2011term sustainability.<\/p>\n

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\n 86. Robert Bair<\/p>\n

President, Pennsylvania Building & Construction Trades Council<\/p>\n

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Robert Bair
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

With energy at a premium, Robert Bair has been pushing to make sure the commonwealth\u2019s infrastructure workers reap the opportunities of the clean-energy evolution. Bair is the longtime president of PA Building Trades, representing thousands of laborers in the Keystone State\u2019s powerful construction industry; a four-decade member of IBEW Local 143, he has also served as president of the PA State Electrical Workers and the Eastern PA Business Managers Association. Most recently, he has worked with state workforce agencies to bolster Pennsylvania\u2019s infrastructure labor pipeline.<\/p>\n

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\n 87. Greg Moreland<\/p>\n

State Director, National Federation of Independent Business<\/p>\n

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Greg Moreland
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\n Wakeen & Company<\/p>\n

As Pennsylvania state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, Greg Moreland has championed policies that benefit small business owners \u2013 including measures on inheritance tax exemptions, business sales tax relief, regulatory reform, and licensing wait times. Moreland, a U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, is a Penn State graduate; he began his career in a series of roles in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, including as policy advisor to the Speaker of the House.<\/p>\n

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\n 88. Nicole Stallings<\/p>\n

President & CEO, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Nicole Stallings
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\n HAP<\/p>\n

As CEO of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, Nicole Stallings represents some 235 institutional members at one of the nation\u2019s largest state hospital associations. She has made HAP a leading voice in the statewide conversation around hospitals\u2019 financial challenges from state and federal underfunding; she also spearheaded the association\u2019s first virtual career fair and launched a data tool to support maternal health. Stallings previously held leadership positions at the Maryland Hospital Association and served in senior health care roles in Maryland state government.<\/p>\n

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\n 89. Michael Jacobs<\/p>\n

President & CEO, Pennsylvania Health Care Association<\/p>\n

Last year, Michael Jacobs took over leadership of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, the leading industry group representing long-term care. He previously worked for the association leading advocacy and legislative affairs, and more recently served as a consultant for the American Health Care Association. He also serves as a school board director with the Central Dauphin School District and holds a master’s in public administration from Penn State.<\/p>\n

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\n 90. Bill Johnston-Walsh<\/p>\n

State Director, AARP Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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Bill Johnston-Walsh
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\n AARP Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

As state director for AARP Pennsylvania, Bill Johnston-Walsh leads advocacy, engagement and education on behalf of older Pennsylvanians. He helped steer Pennsylvania\u2019s 2025 designation as an Age-Friendly State, targeting safer roads, better transportation, and accessible housing; he also chairs the Mayor\u2019s Commission on Aging in Philadelphia and is active in local and statewide initiatives preparing the commonwealth for an aging population. He previously held roles with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the state Attorney General\u2019s Office and the U.S. House Select Committee on Aging.<\/p>\n

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\n 91. Michael Kupferman<\/p>\n

CEO, Penn State Health<\/p>\n

In June 2025, cancer surgeon Michael Kupferman joined Penn State Health as its CEO. He leads an academic health system with a presence across 15 Central Pennsylvania counties, including numerous hospitals. Kupferman trained at and later led research programs for Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center, and most recently served as president of the Banner University Medicine division and senior vice president of the physician enterprise for Phoenix-based Banner Health.<\/p>\n

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\n 92. Tony Hubbard<\/p>\n

Principal, KPMG<\/p>\n

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Tony Hubbard
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\n Camera Box<\/p>\n

Tony Hubbard has devoted his nearly-three-decade career to KPMG, where he is currently a principal and leads the firm’s Federal Cybersecurity practice. In this role, he supports federal government agencies with a range of consultancy services on matters including identity protection and access and cyber governance. An accountant by training and a widely respected expert on the evolving world of government cybersecurity, he began his career as a senior internal auditor with the Internal Revenue Service.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\n 93. Chad Firestone<\/p>\n

Managing Director, Government & Public Services, Deloitte<\/p>\n

Based in Harrisburg, Chad Firestone currently serves as Pennsylvania managing director for Government and Public Services at Deloitte, the global business consultancy, where he is a client account leader. To the role, he brings a deep knowledge of the public sector, having previously served as executive deputy secretary for information technology for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He holds a master’s of public administration from Penn State University.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\n 94. Bernie Hall<\/p>\n

Pennsylvania Director, United Steelworkers<\/p>\n

As Pennsylvania director for the United Steelworkers, Bernie Hall represents 50,000 members across 120 local unions in the commonwealth. He began his career as an industrial mechanic at Zinc Corporation of America, joining USW Local 8183 in Bridgewater and quickly becoming one of the state district\u2019s youngest-ever staff representatives. He has since brought his negotiating prowess to the USW\u2019s national Cement Council, which he co-chairs, and to ATI, where he has served as the USW national bargaining chair.<\/p>\n

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\n 95. Matthew Knittel<\/p>\n

Director, Independent Fiscal Office<\/p>\n

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Matthew Knittel
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\n Erin Shaffer Photography<\/p>\n

Matthew Knittel directs Pennsylvania\u2019s Independent Fiscal Office, a nonpolitical entity that provides revenue projects and objective analysis of fiscal and economic issues to inform commonwealth residents and policymakers. A former financial economist with the U.S. Department of Treasury and an economist with the Michigan Department of Treasury, Knittel holds a doctorate in economics from Michigan State University. He has taught at Johns Hopkins, Temple and Penn State universities and published articles in the National Tax Journal and the National Bureau of Economic Research series.<\/p>\n

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\n 96. Michael Pratt<\/p>\n

Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig<\/p>\n

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Michael Pratt
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\n Greenberg Traurig LLP<\/p>\n

A. Michael Pratt chairs the Philadelphia Litigation Practice at Greenberg Traurig. In addition to handling complex and sensitive litigation matters across a variety of industries, he is a civic and legal leader, having served as the 81st chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association and as vice chair of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. He is a perennial on top-lawyer lists, including Lawdragon\u2019s \u201c500 Leading Lawyers in America\u201d and The Best Lawyers in America in the Commercial Litigation and Product Liability Litigation \u2013 Defendants categories.<\/p>\n

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\n 97. \u200b\u200bNathan Benefield<\/p>\n

Chief Policy Officer, Commonwealth Foundation<\/p>\n

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\u200b\u200bNathan Benefield
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\n Commonwealth Foundation<\/p>\n

A leading voice on state legislative issues, Nate Benefield is the Commonwealth Foundation\u2019s policy chief, leading research, government relations and communications. His perspectives are a critical part of state conversations on topics including government spending, taxation, education, labor reform, and economic development, and have been published in national media. His recent advocacy has included efforts to triple state tax credits for K-12 scholarship organizations, withdraw Pennsylvania from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and reduce the state\u2019s corporate income tax.<\/p>\n

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\n 98. Joan Gabel<\/p>\n

Chancellor, University of Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

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Joan Gabel
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\n Aimee Obidzinski<\/p>\n

Since 2023, Chancellor Joan Gabel has guided the University of Pittsburgh to record-high enrollment and research expenditures and seen Pitt designated as a Best-In-State Employer. Gabel, a onetime business law professor, was the first woman president of the University of Minnesota before assuming that role at Pitt. She was recognized with the Mentor Award by the American Council on Education and as a Community Champion by the JCC of Greater Pittsburgh and holds leadership positions with the U.S. Council on Competitiveness and the Fulbright Scholar Advisory Board.<\/p>\n

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\n 99. Matthew Taylor<\/p>\n

Chair & CEO, Duane Morris<\/p>\n

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Matthew Taylor
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\n Provided<\/p>\n

Attorney Matthew Taylor is the chair and CEO of Philadelphia-based Duane Morris, as well as serving on the law firm’s Executive Committee. A commercial litigator and active trial lawyer, he handles a range of matters in state and federal courts across the U.S., including banking and securities law, corporate governance, employment matters and RICO cases. Taylor is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel.<\/p>\n

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\n 100. Sydney Altfield<\/p>\n

CEO, Teach Coalition<\/p>\n

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Sydney Altfield
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\n Jamie Collins Photography<\/p>\n

Sydney Altfield is CEO of the Teach Coalition, one of America\u2019s fastest-growing nonpublic school advocacy organizations, leading efforts to expand and strengthen school security programs across the commonwealth and to grow the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. She is known for building broad-based coalitions and driving grassroots advocacy, including across the Jewish community and other faiths, to support priorities such as security and nonpublic school education.<\/p>\n

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