Secretary Jessica Shirley

Currently serving as the Interim Acting Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), Jessica Shirley plays a pivotal role in the guidance of the department in its mission to protect and preserve Pennsylvania’s environment while fostering sustainable and equitable practices. Jessica arrives to the role of Acting Secretary with extensive experience and knowledge within the agency. Most recently, Jessica served as the Executive Deputy Secretary overseeing all programs from February 2023 to October 2023.

Secretary Jessica was the first appointed Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator at the PA DEP from May 2022 to February 2023 and in this position, she oversaw the implementation of the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Jessica ensured the Department maximized funds for the betterment of Pennsylvania’s environment, economy, residents, and communities. Jessica previously served as the Policy Director from May 2016 to April 2022 and in this position, she helped develop groundbreaking executive orders related to PFAS, climate change, energy conservation and sustainability in Commonwealth operations, and environmental justice. Jessica was involved in leading Pennsylvania’s first ever Litter Action Plan which received several awards and national recognition. In her earlier role as the Executive Policy Specialist from January 2010 to February 2011, Jessica was a trusted advisor in various policy areas and served as the Policy Office liaison for multiple advisory committees.

Jessica’s educational background includes a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

David Ferro

David Ferro is the CEO of Optics Consulting LLC has over 25 years as an energy advisor.  Starting his career with Hess Oil and Columbia Gas, Dave is now the owner of an energy management and engineering firm.  Dave and his team at OPTICS Consulting are actively managing fortune 100 companies’ energy spend, use of energy, as well as their greenhouse gas objectives. He is passionate about solving energy problems and supportive of the use of innovation to achieving objectives.  Dave’s experience working for both utility, public and private sectors provides him with a diverse background for making informed energy market decisions.