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Isenhour Named Wolf’s Chief of Staff

Gov. Tom Wolf’s on Thursday named Mary Isenhour as his chief of staff, a move welcomed by leaders in both parties who have known her for more than 15 years. 

In making the appointment, Wolf said, “Mary Isenhour is one of my closest advisors, and she has served as a valuable part of my administration.  Mary has earned respect from Republicans and Democrats, and she has vast and diverse experience in government that will help to guide my administration.”

“It is an honor to serve as Governor Wolf’s Chief of Staff, and I look forward to continuing to work with the governor and the administration to serve the people of Pennsylvania,” Isenhour said. “Governor Wolf has the right priorities for the Commonwealth, and I look forward to working with him to implement his vision.”

Isenhour most recently served as Secretary of Legislative Affairs, after having a role as a senior strategist for the Tom Wolf for Governor campaign and co-chaired Wolf’s inaugural committee.

From 1991 to 1995, Mary was chief of staff to the Democratic Leader in the Kansas House of Representatives, working with leadership to develop and implement committee and floor strategies, and she worked on developing legislative strategy and building coalitions that resulted in legislation in numerous areas. Mary also served as liaison between the Leader and other elected officials, agencies, and political entities.

From 1995 to 1999, Mary served as a national political director for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, and from 1999 to 2003, Mary served as executive director of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee. Isenhour also served as executive director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and as state director for Hillary Clinton’s Presidential Campaign. 

Will Danowski, Executive Deputy Secretary of Legislative Affairs, was named Acting Secretary of Legislative Affairs.