Gov. Josh Shapiro has announced his nominations for a pair of Cabinet positions.

The governor tapped Dr. Carrie Rowe to serve as Secretary of the Department of Education (PDE), while also selecting Jessica Shirley for the post of Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Rowe currently serves as Deputy Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education at PDE, while Shirley is the Acting Secretary of DEP.

The nominations are subject to confirmation by the Pennsylvania Senate.

“Dr. Rowe and Acting Secretary Shirley are experienced, dedicated public servants – and I am proud to nominate them to serve as Secretaries and continue their work in education and environmental protection,” said Shapiro.

“Dr. Rowe has dedicated her career to ensuring every student has access to a quality education, and Acting Secretary Shirley has been a driving force in safeguarding our environment while streamlining permitting processes and promoting economic growth. Their expertise and leadership will help us build a stronger Commonwealth as we keep working to bring people together, solve problems, and create real opportunity for all Pennsylvanians.”

Rowe served in the Beaver Area School District from 1999-2022, including the last six years as superintendent before joining the PDE. A graduate of Slippery Rock University, she earned a master’s in instructional leadership from Robert Morris University and her doctorate in administrative and policy studies from the University of Pittsburgh.

As Deputy Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, she has provided strategic guidance on structured literacy, workforce readiness, teacher recruitment and retention, and student mental health.

“I am honored to be nominated to lead the Department of Education in service of the Commonwealth’s learners, educators, and communities,” said Dr. Rowe. “I look forward to working with Governor Shapiro, the General Assembly, and partners in the field to ensure that all Pennsylvania learners have access to a world-class education system and all of the possibilities it brings.”

Shirley has worked with the DEP for the past 14 years, including the last two as Executive Deputy Secretary. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master of public administration from Penn State.

As Executive Deputy Secretary, she oversaw the agency’s core programs and helped manage the implementation of federal funding for well plugging, abandoned mine land reclamation, and local water infrastructure.

“As someone who has dedicated their career to public service, it’s an honor to be nominated to lead the Department of Environmental Protection. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, I understand the importance of the mission to protect Pennsylvania’s air, land, and water resources, providing for the health and safety of our residents and businesses,” said Shirley. “I look forward to working as part of the Shapiro Administration, alongside the dedicated staff at DEP, to continue our mission to protect public health and the environment.”