Governor-Elect Josh Shapiro has named two former area lawmakers to key cabinet positions.

On Thursday, Shapiro named Rick Siger to be Secretary of Community and Economic Development, former state Rep. Michael Carroll, who represented part of Monroe County, to be Secretary of Transportation, Sarah Hammer to be Secretary of Banking and Securities, and former state Sen. Pat Browne of Lehigh County to be Secretary of Revenue.

This bipartisan team – comprised of two Republicans and two Democrats – has decades of combined experience in economic development and consumer protection, and will lead the effort to make Pennsylvania a national leader in innovation industries like robotics and biotech while protecting consumers from predatory practices.

“At a time where Pennsylvania families are being crushed under a mountain of rising prices, we need leaders who will focus on reigniting Pennsylvania’s economy and providing relief for working families across the Commonwealth,” Shapiro said. “All four are dedicated to serving our Commonwealth by investing in key infrastructure projects, bringing a renewed focus to help small businesses and revive main streets in Pennsylvania, and working to ensure consumers and businesses are well-informed and protected.”

Mike Carroll

Carroll was first elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2006 and subsequently re-elected for seven additional terms, and he worked on transportation throughout his time in public office.

Carroll was Democratic chairman of the House Transportation Committee from 2018 - 2022.

In 2010, he was awarded the Boy Scouts of America Minsi Trails Council Distinguished Citizen Award for his work to rehabilitate the Stillwater Dam in Tobyhanna Township. In 2014, he was awarded the Jean Yates Award from the Pittston Memorial Library Board of Trustees based on his dedication and service to the library and the Joseph Battisto Award for his legislative service to the citizens of Monroe County.

In 2015, he received the Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries State Elected Official Award. In May 2016, he received the BAYADA Home Health Care Champion award, and in June 2016 he was presented with the Silver Bayonet Award by AMVETS in grateful appreciation of services rendered to the community, state, and nation.

Carroll formerly worked as the chief of staff for then-state Rep. John Yudichak, served as legislative liaison for PennDOT under Gov. Robert Casey and served as district office director for Congressman Paul Kanjorski. A lifelong resident of Avoca, he is the father of three adult children, Matt, Mackenzie, and Ali.

“I am deeply honored that Governor-Elect Shapiro has entrusted me with the leadership over a department that affects the daily life of millions of Pennsylvanians and ensures we can travel across the Commonwealth safely,” said former state Rep. Mike Carroll. “This historic moment in our Commonwealth presents a unique opportunity for this Administration. With $7.9 billion in federal funding coming to Pennsylvania, we will be able to fix our roads, highways and bridges – making it easier and safer for Pennsylvania drivers while creating good paying union jobs. As Secretary of Transportation, I will work to ensure PennDOT builds a better future for all Pennsylvanians.”

Pat Browne

Browne, an Allentown native, served as a Republican member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for 16th District from 2005 to 2022. He was first elected to the Senate following a special election in April of 2005 and served for 18 years until November 2022. Prior to joining the Senate, Browne represented the 131st District for 10 years as a member of the state House of Representatives.

During his service in the Senate, he was elected by his colleagues in the Senate Republican Caucus to serve as Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman for four consecutive legislative sessions from 2014-22. The committee, the most powerful of the Senate’s standing committees, reviews all legislation for its fiscal impact and plays a crucial role in developing the state budget.

In 2009, Browne crafted the one-of-a-kind, 130-acre Neighborhood Improvement Zone to help revitalize and expand the tax base of the then financially struggling city of Allentown. There has already been more than $1 billion of new development investment in Allentown and more than $13 million in annual school property tax revenues for Allentown School District generated through the zone.

Browne also worked as Certified Public Accountant and attorney. He also was a tax manager for Coopers and Lybrand from 1990 to 1994 and a tax supervisor for Price Waterhouse from 1986 to 1990.

“As the head of the Appropriations Committee in the Senate, I have been a steward of our Commonwealth’s fiscal health, and as a member of the Shapiro Administration, I will work to ensure our Department runs programs fairly and efficiently. We will be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars as we work to advance Governor-Elect Shapiro’s vision of freedom and opportunity here in Pennsylvania,” Browne said.