Executive Staff

Department of Community and Economic Development

Rick Siger - Secretary
Department of Community and Economic Development
Rick Siger

On May 3, 2023, the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously confirmed Governor Josh Shapiro’s nomination of Rick Siger as the Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development.

In his current role, Rick leads the commonwealth’s efforts to grow our economy and build a better future for Pennsylvanians. He is committed to helping small businesses thrive, spurring innovation, and increasing opportunities in communities to make Pennsylvania a national leader in growth and innovation.

Prior to his current role, Rick served as Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh and led CMU’s growth strategy at Hazelwood Green, a former Pittsburgh industrial site re-envisioned as a new model for economic development and translational research.

Rick served President Barack Obama for more than seven years in multiple roles, including as Chief of Staff at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and Deputy Chief of Staff at the Department of Commerce. He also worked as former Governor Tim Kaine’s Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Rick was born and raised in Pittsburgh and currently lives there with his wife Kinsey Casey, daughter Margaret, and dog Amos. He holds a B.A. in political science from Columbia University.

Michael Hanna Jr. - Executive Deputy Secretary
Department of Community and Economic Development

Michael Hanna Jr. assumed the position of Executive Deputy Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development in March 2022. He previously served as Executive Deputy Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. As well as the Executive Deputy Secretary of Legislative Affairs for Governor Wolf, where he worked with many agencies, including Agriculture and DCED, helping to advance the Governor’s legislative priorities, develop strategy, and serve as a critical link between the General Assembly and the Governor’s Office. Prior to this, he was the Assistant Floor Director for the Democratic Leader, responsible for managing 24 committees and was a Research Analyst in the House of Representatives. Mike received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Masters of Liberal Arts from Lock Haven University.

Carrie Lepore - Deputy Secretary
Office of Tourism

Since 2015, Carrie’s passion for Pennsylvania has inspired her work as Deputy Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Office of Tourism. In this time, she has overseen numerous vital statewide marketing initiatives, including Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 health safety campaign, “PA Unites Against COVID”; the Emmy and Gold National ADDY award winning anti-litter campaign, “PA Fights Dirty”; and Pennsylvania’s popular tourism mantra, “Pursue Your Happiness.”

Carrie has overseen the Pennsylvania Tourism Office as it expanded its focus to include new initiatives to bring visitors to Pennsylvania, stir economic development, and increase the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians. These initiatives include ensuring all visitors to Pennsylvania feel welcome and as though they belong; expanding Pennsylvania’s tourism experiences to encompass a wider range of stories; launching an award-winning website; developing an expansive cooperative advertising program; and raising the profile of Pennsylvania agriculture through award-winning culinary trails.

A dedicated public servant, Carrie’s career also included eight years with the Pennsylvania Treasury Department. She lives in Harrisburg with her family.

David Briel - Deputy Secretary
Office of International Business Development

David Briel currently serves as Deputy Secretary, Office of International Business Development (OIBD). He oversees a team of 12 economic development specialists and a network of 18 overseas authorized representatives, whose mission is to assist Pennsylvania companies with their export strategies and execution as well as attract foreign direct investment to locate in the commonwealth. He also works closely with the Regional Export Network and other economic development organizations throughout Pennsylvania to help create and retain employment brought forth by international trade and investment, a key component of Pennsylvania’s economy. David holds a Bachelor of Arts from Furman University and a Masters in Business from the University of Maryland. He has extensive experience studying, traveling and working internationally, primarily in Austria, Germany, and Japan. He has also passed the top level of the Japanese proficiency exam.

Jen Gilburg - Deputy Secretary
Technology and Entrepreneurship

Jen Gilburg has decades-long experience working in both technology and manufacturing in the private sector. She has been on the forefront of such high growth technologies as data security and artificial intelligence, and has worked in advanced technologies for the automotive, medical and robotics industries. Most recently, Jen served as Vice President of Business Development for a developer of AI-driven technology for use in autonomous vehicles and robotics.

As Deputy Secretary of Technology and Entrepreneurship, she will focus on implementing the Shapiro Administration’s and DCED’s vision of attracting, fostering, and investing in people and companies focused on technology and innovation across multiple sectors, and throughout the state.

She has a BS from Syracuse University and a Masters in Management from Villanova.

Mandy Book - Acting Deputy Secretary
Office of Business Financing and Workforce Development

Mandy Book has worked at the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for more than 15 years. She presently serves as the Executive Director of the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) and Acting Deputy Secretary for the Office of Business Financing and Workforce Development.

Prior to assuming these roles, she served as the Deputy Director of the CFA, Director of the Center for Community Enhancement, Economic Development Consultant and Workforce Development Liaison. She has experience working on programs providing business financing, workforce development and training, and community development opportunities.

Richard Vilello - Deputy Secretary
Community Affairs and Development

Rick first joined the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) in March of 2015 as the Executive Director of the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services. He was appointed as Deputy Secretary for Community Affairs and Development in February 2017. As Deputy Secretary, Rick oversees the work of the entire deputate including: The Governor’s Center for Local Government Services; The Center for Community Enhancement; The Center for Community and Housing Development; The Whole-Home Repairs Office; and The Center for Community Services.

Before coming to DCED, Rick served four terms as Mayor of Lock Haven and was previously President of the Pennsylvania Municipal League.

Brent Vernon - Executive Director
Governor’s Action Team

As Executive Director of the Governor’s Action Team (GAT), Brent Vernon leads a dynamic team of economic development professionals who work on the front line of Pennsylvania’s business attraction and retention activities. Headquartered in Harrisburg with seven regional state offices, GAT is the commonwealth’s lead state economic development office. Its primary mission is to foster economic growth throughout the state by attracting new businesses and helping existing Pennsylvania businesses expand and become more successful.

Brent has more than 25 years of professional experience serving in state and federal economic and workforce development positions. Prior to becoming GAT Director, he held the positions of Deputy Director for Project Management and Senior Project Manager, where he was responsible for managing energy sector-related projects, particularly those involving Pennsylvania’s vast shale gas reserves and the downstream petrochemical industry. In these roles, Brent provided companies involved in GAT projects with technical assistance and coordinated the services of state agencies and other stakeholders within Pennsylvania’s economic development community.

He holds an MPA from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and a BA in political science from Pennsylvania State University. Brent also received certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council, and has completed executive education courses at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.

Lori Irwin - Chief Counsel
Department of Community & Economic Development

Lori Irwin serves as the Chief Counsel for the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Lori began her career over twenty years ago with DCED and has served as counsel to various boards and authorities within DCED, including The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority and the Pennsylvania Minority Business Development Authority. Her primary areas of practice include DCED’s financing and tax credit programs and legislative initiatives. She also served as a Deputy General Counsel in the Governor’s Office of General Counsel where her focus was legislative drafting and analysis.

Kerianne Durkin - Deputy Secretary
Administration

Kerianne Durkin joined DCED in February 2023 as Deputy Secretary for Administration. In this role, she oversees the team that assists the agency with human resources, information technologies, and facilities management. Kerianne began her Commonwealth career in Governor Tom Wolf’s Office, serving in various capacities such as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff where she oversaw day to day operations of the office and Deputy Secretary of Intergovernmental Affairs where she worked with stakeholders to advance the Governor’s agenda. Kerianne has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Elon University and a Master’s in Public Administration degree from Villanova University.


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