Shady Side Academy alumnus Rick Siger '98 was nominated to serve in incoming Governor Josh Shapiro's cabinet as Pennsylvania's secretary of community and economic development. Siger will officially assume his duties on Tuesday, Jan. 17, when Shapiro is sworn in as governor.
“As secretary in the Department of Community and Economic Development, I will work tirelessly to help our small businesses grow, foster innovation, and increase opportunities in forgotten communities across our Commonwealth,” Siger said. “I am honored to carry out Governor-Elect Shapiro’s vision to help ensure every Pennsylvanian has access to good-paying jobs and an opportunity to thrive as we become a national leader in growth and innovation.”
Siger is currently chief of staff and senior advisor to the president at Carnegie Mellon University, where he sets the management agenda for CMU’s executive team and advises the president on a broad range of issues including economic and community development, budget and strategy, and leadership of CMU’s faculty and staff. He previously served as CMU's senior advisor to the president in economic development and community engagement, and director of strategic initiatives and engagement.
Siger's long history of public service leadership includes seven years in President Barack Obama's administration, serving as chief of staff at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and deputy chief of staff at the Department of Commerce. Siger also previously served then-Gov. Tim Kaine's deputy secretary of commerce and trade in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Congratulations, Rick!