Shapiro appoints Vereb, Hossain to key positions

Montco men to serve as Secretary of Policy and Planning; Secretary of Legislative Affairs

GovernorElect Josh Shapiro announced Wednesday the appointment of Akbar Hossain, a Norristown native who currently serves as Executive Director of the Shapiro-Davis Transition and who served as Policy Director on Shapiro’s gubernatorial campaign, as Secretary of Policy and Planning. The GovernorElect also appointed former State Representative Mike Vereb, West Norriton, who currently serves as Director of Government Affairs for the Office Attorney General, as Secretary of Legislative Affairs. Both trusted aides to Governor-Elect Shapiro, Hossain and Vereb will serve in key roles as they assist in advancing the GovernorElect’s top priorities.

These impressive and highly qualified appointees underscore GovernorElect Shapiro’s commitment to bringing Pennsylvanians together and delivering results for our Commonwealth. Serving in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2006 to 2016, Vereb brings a record of working across the aisle with both Democrats and Republicans to get things done. As Executive Director of the Shapiro-Davis Transition, Hossain is building a hard-working, capable Administration that represents all corners of our Commonwealth and is ready to get to work on day one.

“Akbar Hossain and Mike Vereb have decades of public service experience between them, and they will be critical to crafting a policy agenda that meets Pennsylvanians’ needs and building a broad coalition in support of that vision,” said Governor-Elect Josh Shapiro. “Akbar is one of the brightest minds on policy in Pennsylvania, and he will help us improve our kids’ schools, create an economy that lifts everyone up, and make communities across Pennsylvania safer. I’ve known Mike Vereb since we served together in the Legislature — he is an accomplished public servant who knows how to bring people together and fight for all Pennsylvanians. Both Akbar and Mike bring deep expertise in their fields and a strong commitment to public service, and I am confident in their abilities to help our Administration move our Commonwealth forward.”

“It is an honor to serve Governor-Elect Shapiro as Policy Secretary and help him fulfill his promise to deliver real results for all Pennsylvanians,” said Akbar Hossain. “There are people across Pennsylvania who are still looking for the same shot I was given, and it’s our responsibility to serve them. GovernorElect Shapiro is working toward growing an economy that works for all people — because at the end of the day, that’s what helped my family — and ensuring that every child receives a quality education, because I wouldn’t be here without that opportunity. I look forward to advancing his bold, positive vision for the Commonwealth and serving the people of Pennsylvania.”

“I am humbled that Governor-Elect Shapiro has entrusted me with this great responsibility — a responsibility to bring people together, restore civility, and get things done in Harris