Governor-Elect Josh Shapiro announced the appointment of Dana Fritz as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Pennsylvania on Thursday.

Fritz, a long-time aide to Shapiro for nearly a decade, has extensive experience in government, including a stint as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of Attorney General.

As Chief of Staff, she will oversee the Office of the Governor, serve as the Governor’s top advisor and staffer, and assist in building a “diverse, experienced, and talented” administrative team.

“I’ve worked with Dana Fritz for a decade – she’s an incredibly talented leader and committed public servant,” said Shapiro. “She has been my most trusted advisor for years, helping me serve the people as Pennsylvania’s Attorney General and leading my campaign team to historic victories. Dana’s leadership skills, knowledge of the Commonwealth, and sharp instincts are unmatched – and I have complete confidence in her ability to lead our Administration and help move Pennsylvania forward.”

“It is the honor of a lifetime to serve our Commonwealth as Governor-Elect Shapiro’s Chief of Staff and help lead this Administration that will work every single day to deliver for all Pennsylvanians,” said Fritz, a Lehigh Valley native. “I am humbled by this opportunity – and I look forward to building a hard-working, capable Administration that represents our Commonwealth as we work to grow an economy that works for all, ensure every child receives a quality education, and make communities across Pennsylvania safer.”

“I have known Dana for years – and from her leadership and work for the people of Pennsylvania in the Attorney General’s office and beyond over the past decade, I know that she is ready to take on the job of Chief of Staff,” said Elena Cross, current Chief of Staff to Governor Tom Wolf. “Dana is a tested leader who knows how to bring people together and fight for all Pennsylvanians – and as Governor-Elect Shapiro’s Chief of Staff, she will continue to do so at the helm of an Administration that is going to continue making progress for our Commonwealth.”

Fritz, 32, grew up in Coplay, Lehigh County, and graduated from Temple University. She started her career working for the Democratic Party and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey’s (D-Pa.) 2012 re-election campaign.

She then worked for Shapiro managing finance and political efforts when Shapiro was a county commissioner. Fritz followed him to the attorney general’s office as deputy chief of staff and communications director.

Fritz left the office in 2020 to serve as manager of Shapiro’s successful campaign for governor this year.