Shapiro names longtime assistant his chief of staff
HARRISBURG — Dana Fritz, who has worked for Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro for nearly a decade, was named as his chief of staff Thursday.
Ms. Fritz, a Lehigh Valley native and Temple University graduate, previously served as deputy chief of staff and communications director for Mr. Shapiro after he took office in 2016 as Pennsylvania attorney general. She returned to politics in 2020 as Mr. Shapiro’s re-election campaign manager for attorney general and then served in the same position in Mr. Shapiro’s 2022 campaign for governor.
In her new role, which she will assume on Jan. 17 when Mr. Shapiro is sworn in as governor, Ms. Fritz will oversee the governor’s office, serving as his top adviser and staffer.
“I’ve worked with Dana Fritz for a decade — she’s an incredibly talented leader and committed public servant. She has been my most trusted advisor for years, helping me serve the people as Pennsylvania’s Attorney General and leading my campaign team to historic victories,” Mr. Shapiro said in a statement. “Dana’s leadership skills, knowledge of the Commonwealth, and sharp instincts are unmatched — and I have complete confidence in her ability to lead our administration and help move Pennsylvania forward.”
“It is the honor of a lifetime to serve our Commonwealth as Governor-elect Shapiro’s chief of staff and help lead this administration that will work every single day to deliver for all Pennsylvanians,” Ms. Fritz said in a statement. “I am humbled by this opportunity — and I look forward to building a hard-working, capable administration that represents our Commonwealth as we work to grow an economy that works for all, ensure every child receives a quality education, and make communities across Pennsylvania safer.”
Ms. Fritz, who grew up in Coplay, Lehigh County, began her career working for the state Democratic Party and Sen. Bob Casey’s 2012 reelection campaign following her graduation from Temple.
After that campaign, she began working for Mr. Shapiro when he was a commissioner in Montgomery County, managing finance and political efforts for him. She then served as deputy campaign manager and finance director on his successful 2016 primary and general election victories for attorney general.