Erie, PA – Erie County Executive-Elect Christina Vogel today announced the formation of her Transition Team, an accomplished group of community leaders who will guide preparations for her administration’s January inauguration and help lay the foundation for an efficient, transparent, and people-centered county government.

“From day one, our focus is on ensuring a smooth, transparent, and inclusive transition that reflects the values we ran on—fiscal responsibility, putting people first, and creating partnerships,” said Vogel. “This team brings decades of experience across public service, business, education, labor, and community development. Together, they’ll help us build a county government that works efficiently and effectively for everyone in Erie County.”

The Transition Team will be chaired by Kathy Dahlkemper, former Erie County Executive, who brings extensive experience in county operations, strategic planning, and collaborative leadership.

Joining Dahlkemper are the following Vice Chairs, each overseeing key areas of county government:

Dr. Rhonda Matthews – Transition Team Co-Chair, prioritizing External Relations and Advisory Councils. Dr. Matthews is a Professor of Socio-Economics and Chief Operating Officer of Erie’s Black Wall Street.

Joe Maloney – Vice Chair for Finance, Assessment, Purchasing, and Facilities. Maloney is an accountant and served as a financial advisor to Erie County Council for 38 years.

Carrie Ennis – Vice Chair for Health and Human Services. Ennis serves as Senior Director of Administrative Services for Northwestern Pennsylvania at UPMC.

Bob Gandley – Vice Chair for Public Safety and General Counsel. Gandley is an attorney with MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP and serves as Chairman of the Erie County Local Emergency Planning Committee.

Michael Outlaw – Vice Chair for Corrections and Public Defense. Outlaw previously served as Community Liaison for the City of Erie and currently works as a Conciliation Specialist with the United States Department of Justice.

Tina Mengine – Vice Chair for Planning, Economic Development, and Geographic Information Systems. Mengine serves as the President and CEO of the Erie County Redevelopment Authority.

Tom Benson – Vice Chair for Human Resources, IT, and the Erie County Public Library. Benson was an inaugural board member for the Erie County Community College and worked as a Senior Consultant at J.L. Nick & Associates, Inc. specializing in Human Resources and Management.

Chris Groner – Vice Chair for County Administration, Operations, and Veterans Affairs. Groner serves as Director of the Office of Development Services for the City of Erie and served as a Logistics Officer in the United States Navy.

Lee Strain – Vice Chair for Workforce and Labor Issues. Strain is Business Manager for Laborers’ Union Local 603.

Dave Mitchell – Vice Chair for Municipal Government Relations and County Authorities. Mitchell is a former County Councilman, former Mayor of Corry, and current Corry City Controller.

Ian Maries-Bierley, who served as Finance Director for Vogel’s campaign, will coordinate day-to-day operations and communications for the Transition Team.

“This transition team truly reflects the best of Erie County,” Vogel added. “It includes Democrats and Republicans, rural and urban voices, and leaders from labor, business, education, and public service — all committed to finding common ground and delivering results. That broad coalition of perspectives and ideas is exactly what will drive our county forward and define the spirit of my administration.”

As part of the transition process, anyone interested in serving in Erie County government under the Vogel administration is encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter at christinavogel.com/transition.

Submissions will be reviewed by the Transition Team and taken into consideration as they make recommendations for staffing and appointments within the new administration.

Please contact Ian Maries-Bierley, Transition Team Coordinator, for follow up questions or interview availability: transition@christinavogel.com // 814-323-0908