The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) today announced that Jennifer Liptak has been named the organization’s Deputy Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer. Liptak will assume this role on Monday, June 10. As Deputy Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Liptak will lead a team of 50 staff members and report directly to Rich Fitzgerald, the organization’s Executive Director.
“Over the last decade, a lot of the economic success and transformation that Allegheny County has experienced can be largely attributed directly to Jennifer’s strategic leadership, collaborative management style, and her ability to get things accomplished,” said Rich Fitzgerald, Executive Director. “From the success of the airport, investing in infrastructure, rehabilitating bridges, the vibrancy of the trails and parks, and making the County government’s operations more efficient, Jennifer has been instrumental in bringing these initiatives to fruition. Now, Jennifer will be able to use her outstanding qualities and experiences to support the 10 county region with its transportation, infrastructure, economic, workforce, and quality of life priorities.”
Currently, Liptak serves as the Allegheny County Manager in County Executive Sara Innamorato’s administration, a position she also held when Fitzgerald was the County Executive. Liptak stayed on with Innamorato’s administration to support them over the last six months during the transition. The Allegheny County Manager position serves as the chief administrative officer for the county, and is appointed by the County Executive. As County Manager, Jennifer has been responsible for the county’s overall operations.
Prior to her current role, Liptak’s public service career has spanned over two decades. She first began her career in county government in 1998 working in the Office of District Attorney where she later became Finance Manager. In 2004, she joined the Office of County Council as Budget Director. When Fitzgerald was elected as Allegheny County Executive he appointed Liptak as Chief of Staff, a position she held throughout his entire tenure.
Liptak is active in the community and has served on numerous organization’s boards over the years including: the Allegheny County Retirement Board, Allegheny County Professional Services Review Committee, Allegheny County Airport Authority, Riverlife’s Board of Directors, the Carnegie Science Center’s Board, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees, Port Authority Board of Allegheny County, Chatham University Women’s Institute Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics Advisory Board, the Government Financial Officers Association, and the First Night Advisory Board.
Additionally, Liptak has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a minor in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), as well as a Professional Certification in Personnel and Labor Relations Management. She attended Duquesne University’s School of Leadership and Professional Advancement earning a Professional Certification in Advanced Accounting. Liptak is also a graduate of the F.B.I. Citizens Academy and the Harvard School of Business’ Young American Leaders Program.
Media Inquiries: Caitlin O’Connor
Cell: 412-719-5366
coconnor@spcregion.org
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About Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission:
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is the federally designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO), local development district (LDD), and economic development district (EDD) that serves 10 counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The organization’s coverage area includes Allegheny including the City of Pittsburgh, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland counties. It keeps the region connected and moving forward by helping to plan for its future. It is responsible for planning and prioritizing the use of state and federal transportation funding and establishing economic and workforce development priorities for the region.
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