Jennifer Liptak joined the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) as Deputy Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer in June 2024. As Deputy Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Jennifer leads a team of 50 staff members that work in seven departments and oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization. In this role, Jennifer executes the overall strategic direction of the organization, working closely with the Commission’s Board and Members to ensure that the counties’ transportation, infrastructure, and economic and workforce priorities are fulfilled.

Prior to joining SPC, Jennifer spent over 25 years in public service in various positions within Allegheny County Government. In her most recent role, Jennifer served as the Allegheny County Manager in County Executive Sara Innamorato’s administration, a position she also held during former County Executive Rich Fitzgerald’s administration. As Allegheny County Manager, she served as the chief administrative officer of the county and was responsible for county’s overall operations. She first began her career in county government in 1998 working in the Office of District Attorney where she later became the Finance Manager. In 2004, she joined the Office of County Council as Budget Director. When Fitzgerald took office as Allegheny County Executive in 2012, he appointed Jennifer as Chief of Staff, a position she held throughout his entire tenure. During the last year of Fitzgerald’s administration, Jennifer held dual roles, serving both as the Chief of Staff and County Manager.    

Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a minor in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. While in Johnstown, Jennifer served as a congressional intern for the late Congressman John P. Murtha, of Pennsylvania’s 12^th Congressional District. After graduating from Pitt Johnstown, Jennifer attended the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), earning a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree, and a Professional Certification in Personnel and Labor Relations Management. She attended Duquesne University’s School of Leadership and Professional Advancement earning a Professional Certification in Advanced Accounting. Jennifer is also a graduate of the F.B.I. Citizens Academy and the Harvard School of Business’ Young American Leaders Program. She is a former adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs and a former board member and treasurer of the Allegheny County Airport Authority.

Over the years, Jennifer has been very involved in the community and region, having served as a Board Member/Trustee of the following organizations: Allegheny County Retirement Board, Allegheny County Professional Services Review Committee, Riverlife’s Board of Directors, Carnegie Science Center’s Board, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees, Port Authority Board of Allegheny County (Vice-Chair), Chatham University Women’s Institute Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics Advisory Board, Government Financial Officers Association, and the First Night Advisory Board.