From “President Pro Tempore” to “Partner.” One of the most influential politicians in Pennsylvania in the past two decades has announced his next career move.
Former state Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) announced Monday that he will join Allegheny Strategy Partners (ASP), a newly formed public affairs and business development firm.
“I am excited at the prospect of joining two people I know and trust at a time when they’re building something from the ground up,” said Scarnati. “There is no question that the landscape in the advocacy space is changing. This team’s approach, coupled with the talent being assembled will make this firm a market leader.”
Scarnati was first elected to the state Senate in 2000 and served as the Senate President Pro Tempore from 2006 until his recent retirement. During his time in office, Scarnati also served as the lieutenant governor from 2008-2011 after the death of Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll.
“Joe Scarnati’s experience navigating the highest levels of state government are unrivaled,” said Tommy Johnson, Managing Director of ASP. “He brings a depth of understanding about business and government that will bolster our team’s ability to deliver for our clients.”
“Sen. Scarnati’s experience positions him perfectly as a go-to advisor who can focus on economic growth through business and job-creation,” said Nick Varischetti, a founding partner of the firm.
ASP “has also forged a strategic alliance with agency ColdSpark to assist clients with media relations, crisis communications and public affairs management,” the Pittsburgh Business Times reported last month. ColdSpark is a prominent GOP campaign firm that counts Senator Pat Toomey among its clients.
Prior to the launch of ASP, Johnson most recently served as vice-president of CONSOL Energy and CNX Resources. He also served as a legislative aide to Sen. Rick Santorum and in a campaign capacity as an energy advisor to Trump’s presidential campaign in the past.
Varischetti spent the past decade as an attorney with one of Pittsburgh’s largest law firms, Burns White. His family is also a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The firm will have offices in Scarnati’s hometown of Brockway, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh.
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9 Responses
I was referring to Cohen, but it posted under you. Apologies.
It is unfortunate that so many who have not served in government, including Pennsylvania’s government, beat up on those who have served when they decide to return to the private sector.
The kind of insight, advice and judgment that Senator Scarnati can give to firms and individuals provides the kind of lubricant that is needed when government activity impacts our private sector economy.
HACohen
Lubricant? You mean like KY?
Go lubricate yourself, you moron.
I dont have a problem with him selling out, but your comment was ridiculous. You must be from Western PA.
And you must be from the “T”, inbred.
I thought he was always a part of a lobbying firm?
I’m guessing Scarnatti will not be partnering in a lobbying firm dedicated to interests of the Democratic Party.
Why don’t they just call it:
Pay to Play Strategy Partners
or
Quid Pro Quo, Incorporated
All those bastions of integrity and intelligence:
Trump, Toomey, Santorum, etc. LOL. What a resume. Did he also clerk for Rudy??