HARRISBURG, PA – Governor-Elect Josh Shapiro announced three key cabinet appointments: Rich Negrin to be Secretary of Environmental Protection, Cindy Dunn to be Secretary of Conservation & Natural Resources, and Russell Redding to be Secretary of Agriculture. This team of experienced leaders and policy experts will protect Pennsylvanians’ rights to clean air and pure water and safeguard our natural resources while ensuring their agencies are responsive, customer-service oriented, and focused on investing in communities across the Commonwealth.
Negrin will be the first Latino ever to lead the Department of Environmental Protection, and he brings a long track record of leading large, complex organizations and experience in environmental and energy issues. Dunn has over three decades of experience at DCNR and a long history of environmental leadership, and Redding has a long track record of supporting and growing our agricultural sector – which is critically important to our economy, fueling job growth and putting food on the table in communities all across Pennsylvania.
“Rich Negrin, Cindy Adams Dunn, and Russell Redding are dedicated and experienced public servants and I am proud to nominate them to cabinet positions in my Administration,” said Governor-Elect Josh Shapiro. “Our Commonwealth needs leaders who can manage these agencies’ critical work – from protecting Pennsylvania’s beautiful state parks, forests, and trails, to carrying out a bold, comprehensive climate and energy plan that will grow our economy, protect and create jobs, and safeguard Pennsylvanians’ constitutional right to clean air and pure water. I have complete confidence in these leaders and their abilities to bring people, advocacy organizations, local governments, family farms, and businesses together to create solutions that will protect our Commonwealth’s future and natural resources while embracing our role as national leaders in energy, conservation, and agriculture.”
“I am humbled that Governor-Elect Shapiro has entrusted me with the great responsibility of leading this Administration’s efforts to protect our Commonwealth’s air, land, and water,” said Rich Negrin. “As Secretary of Environmental Protection, I will work diligently to bring people together and ensure the Department works efficiently and we effectively serve all Pennsylvanians in pursuit of a safer, healthier future.”
“It’s the honor of a lifetime to continue to serve our Commonwealth and help lead the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s efforts to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations,” said Cindy Adams Dunn. “Pennsylvania is home to beautiful forests, 124 state parks, and thousands of trails and local parks. I look forward to working with the Governor-Elect on advancing his agenda in supporting the thriving outdoor recreation industry to help our economy grow.”
“Pennsylvania agriculture is a key part of our Commonwealth’s economy and a pillar of so many of our communities – and I am honored by the opportunity to work with the Shapiro Administration to support our farmers and rural communities,” said Russell Redding. “With over 20 years as a leader in the agricultural sector, I know Pennsylvania farmers’ critical role as job creators, the direct line between their success and the food we eat every day – as well as the serious challenges they face and the work that needs to be done to support them. In my role as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, I will lead the Administration’s efforts to ensure farmers have the financing and investments necessary for agricultural production, develop technology hubs for farmers to access new technology, and invest in agricultural infrastructure.”