In another Friday announcement, Governor-Elect Josh Shapiro made seven appointments to his senior staff to assist in carrying out his agenda.

Shapiro selected Meaghan Abbott as Chief of Staff to the First Lady; Manuel Bonder as Press Secretary; Annie Newman as Director of Digital Strategy; Jacklin Rhodes as Director of Public Affairs and Marketing; Will Simons as Director of Communications; Lisa Swanson as Director of Research; and Amanda Warren as Director of External Affairs.

“Governor-Elect Shapiro promised Pennsylvanians that he would listen to them, take up their fights, and deliver real results – and this team of dedicated public servants will be key to fulfilling that promise,” said incoming Chief of Staff Dana Fritz.

“I am proud that Meaghan, Manuel, Annie, Jacklin, Will, Lisa, and Amanda are joining our team, and I know that together, our Administration will communicate effectively and build strong relationships across the Commonwealth to get things done. I have complete faith in their abilities to serve our Commonwealth and advance the Governor-Elect’s agenda.”

Abbott brings to her new role significant experience working across government and nonprofits, where she worked to advance social change and manage key relationships. She most recently served as Deputy Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs for Governor Wolf, overseeing external affairs and stakeholder relations for health, human services, public safety and elections, among other issue and policy areas.

Bonder, a bilingual communicator, currently serves as the Director of Communications for the Transition and the Inauguration, and was previously the Press Secretary on the Shapiro for Pennsylvania campaign – where he served as a spokesperson who helped communicate Governor-Elect Shapiro’s positive vision.

Newman most recently served as the Digital Director for Shapiro for Pennsylvania during the 2022 Governor’s race, where she led a nearly $10 million digital program using cutting edge strategies to reach Pennsylvanians all across the Commonwealth. Thanks to her expertise and leadership, Governor-Elect Shapiro was able to bring his message to communities who have never engaged with a gubernatorial campaign before – from Gen-Z and TikTok influencers to rural communities across the Commonwealth.

Rhoads currently serves as Communications Director for the Office of Attorney General (OAG). While at OAG, Rhoads was responsible for creating and directing the execution of the office’s communications plan, including media relations, digital marketing, multimedia, and the agency’s website.

Simons was the Communications Director for Shapiro for Pennsylvania during the 2022 gubernatorial campaign, where he served as a primary spokesperson for the campaign with both Pennsylvania and national media and was an adviser to Governor-Elect Shapiro.

Swanson served as the Research Director for Shapiro for Pennsylvania during the 2022 Governor’s race, where she was responsible for researching other candidates’ plans and statements to hold them accountable, as well as ensuring the campaign put out accurate information in real time.

Warren served as the Executive Director of the Shapiro-Davis Inauguration. Prior to that, she was the Finance Director on the Shapiro for Pennsylvania campaign during the 2022 Governor’s race, leading the team that raised over $67 million – a record breaking sum for a Governor’s race in Pennsylvania.