Rick Siger Confirmed as Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development

Secretary Siger unanimously confirmed by Pennsylvania Senate

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Rick Siger was officially confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate as Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). In this role, Secretary Siger leads the Commonwealth’s efforts to grow the economy, strengthen our communities, and build a better future for Pennsylvanians.

“I am deeply honored to serve the Commonwealth as Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development,” said Secretary Siger. “Governor Josh Shapiro has a plan to make Pennsylvania a leader in innovation, job creation, and economic development. I am thrilled to continue working hard in close collaboration with Pennsylvania’s businesses, communities, and my colleagues at DCED to move his vision for our Commonwealth forward. Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania is open for business.”

Since being nominated by Governor Shapiro in January, Secretary Siger:

• Oversaw expansion projects through the Governor’s Action Team for EMD Electronics, Prysmian Group North America, and Re:Build Manufacturing that will collectively generate $403.5 million in investments, create at least 615 new jobs (including 220 related construction jobs), and retain 696 existing jobs statewide;
• Oversaw the approval of more than $24 million in loans through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority to spur business growth in 12 counties, create and retain more than 830 total jobs;
• Approved the exits of Franklin Borough, Mahanoy City, and Johnstown from Act 47, with Hazleton set to end its distressed status tomorrow;
• Announced $2.1 million in grants to 31 student research projects through the Manufacturing PA initiative to help advance innovation in manufacturing;
• Announced the new Airport Land Development Zone Program and the first airports to receive designations;
• Announced $3.5 million in new funding through the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority for Pennsylvania start-up tech companies;
• Awarded more than $1 million in investments to increase apprentices in the welding, electrical worker, industrial paint, and iron worker trades through the Pre-Apprentice and Apprenticeship Grant Program; and
• Announced $300,000 in grants through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career program to support a student run manufacturing program in Clarion County and Junior Achievement of South Central PA manufacturing program for students in grades 5-12 in York County.

Secretary Siger brings a wealth of experience to his role as DCED Secretary. Most recently, he served as Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh where he set the management agenda for CMU’s executive team and advised the president on a broad range of issues, including economic and community development.

Governor Shapiro and his Administration are committed to growing Pennsylvania’s economy. For more information about his commitment to workers, business, and our economy, visit the Governor’s website.

For more information about the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit the DCED website, and be sure to stay up-to-date with all of our agency news on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Penny Ickes, DCED, dcedpress@pa.gov