Since Josh Shapiro’s victory in the Pennsylvania race for governor in November, he’s had some time to prepare his respective cabinet for the next four years in office. Among the appointees are a handful of Penn State alums ready to lead the Commonwealth under Shapiro.

Russell Redding: Secretary of Agriculture

Russell Redding has spent many years as a Penn Stater. He earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture education and a master’s degree in agriculture and extension education during his time on campus. On top of that, Redding is also a graduate of the agribusiness executive program. Because of his position with Shapiro, Redding will also serve as a voting Member Ex Officio of the Penn State Board of Trustees and continue his relationship with the university.

Outside of State College, Redding is a familiar face in the state capitol. He served as the Secretary of Agriculture under Governor Ed Rendell from 2009 to 2011 until stepping away from the role to work as an agriculture policy advisor for the United States Senate. Redding returned in 2015 and served under Governor Tom Wolf and has remained in the position ever since.

Khalid Mumin: Secretary of Education

Dr. Khalid Mumin, contrasting Redding, took a tour of the Commonwealth for his education. Mumin has a Bachelor of Arts from Shippensburg University, a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s of education from Penn State.

Dr. Mumin has experience in all levels of education and leadership. He began his career as a teacher in York and eventually shifted into a middle school assistant principal role. Mumin then served as the principal, the director of secondary education, and finally as the superintendent of the Reading School District.

Two of Dr. Mumin’s alma maters, Shippensburg and Penn State, have hosted him as an adjunct instructor. It’s safe to say Mumin is familiar with the challenges facing educators and students at any level of education.

Jacklin Rhoads: Director of Public Affairs and Marketing

Jacklin Rhoads graduated from Penn State Abington in 2008 with a degree in English and has been involved in the communications world ever since. After working in the public relations sector in Philadelphia for a few years, Rhoads was tapped to serve as the press secretary for Senator Bob Casey in 2015. 

Rhoads worked with Casey for nearly four years and rose to the Deputy Communications Director. Rhoads then transitioned into the Office of the Attorney General as Shapiro’s communications director.

Michael Pipe: Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Safety

Michael Pipe holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Penn State and graduated in 2009. Not only is he a Penn Stater, but he is also a prominent figure within Centre County.

Pipe served on the Centre County Board of Commissioners from January 2012 to January 2023 and as its Chair from 2016 to 2023. He helped to develop the Drug Court and the Behavioral Health Court, both of which prevent individuals from having to go through the cumbersome process of the criminal justice system.

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Shapiro’s cabinet appointees are currently awaiting confirmation by the Pennsylvania Senate. If they pass, they will continue a long line of distinguished Penn State alumni.