Erie County Executive-Elect Christina Vogel today announced the hiring of the following individuals to leadership roles in her administration:
Lisa Miller, PhD, Director of Planning & Community Development
Dr. Miller is the founder of Resource and Governance Consulting LLC, a company focused on strategic planning and resource allocation. She recently was the Executive Director of NWPA Job Connect/Partners For Performance, the workforce development board for six counties, where she was responsible for successful use of state and federal grant funds, board operations, plan development, compliance, outcomes and partner engagement. Her prior work with Mercyhurst University and in bringing the Erie County Community College to the region focused heavily on stakeholder engagement and data-informed decision-making. She brings a strategic perspective that focuses heavily on partner-integrated planning and effective resource use for maximum impact.
Deanna Heasley, JD, Chief County Solicitor
Attorney Heasley is a graduate of Duquesne University School of Law and entered private practice in Erie following completion of a term as judicial law clerk for the Honorable Fred P. Anthony. She has experience in civil, criminal, and family law, including prior administrative work for the appellate division of the Office of the Public Defender. Heasley has been the Coordinating Guardian Ad Litem for Erie County the past 12 years, administering the dependency guardian ad litem program, which provides representation to children who have been separated from their parents due to neglect, abuse, parental incarceration, substance use or serious mental health disorders.
Joseph Butler, MBA, Interim Director of Information Technology
Joe Butler of Millcreek, is a retired Vice President of UPMC Corporate Information Technology/ Hospital Division and former Vice President and Chief Information Officer for UPMC Hamot. He brings over 30 years of experience in the information technology field to his interim position.
Robert D. Oliver, JD, Chief Public Defender
Attorney Oliver has a distinguished career spanning more than a decade in Pennsylvania’s trial and appellate courtrooms, bringing extensive legal expertise and a profound commitment to justice to the role of Chief Public Defender of Erie County. His wealth of experience as a judicial law clerk and assistant district attorney has given him a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, from which he has developed a formidable track record of upholding the rule of law and preserving constitutional liberties. Robert is particularly enthusiastic about collaborating with County Executive-elect Vogel to ensure the highest standards of legal representation for all and protecting the rights of the people of Erie County. Oliver earned a bachelor of B.A. in finance from the Fox School of Business at Temple University and his law degree from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Attorney Oliver believes deeply in the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals struggling with substance use and mental health disorders. His compassion and community-driven worldview inform all aspects of his life.
Jennifer Hirneisen, JD, Deputy Solicitor
Attorney Jenny Hirneisen is a partner in the Erie law firm of MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP. She graduated with her Juris Doctorate degree from Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University in 2004. Hirneisen concentrates her practice in the areas of Real Estate and Government Services, having extensive experience with both residential and municipal real estate matters including zoning, municipal claims and liens, subdivision and land development agreements, tax assessment appeals, tax sales, and tax assessment appeals. Additionally, Hirneisen has researched and litigated numerous cases relating to upset tax sales and judicial lien-free sales. Currently, Ms. Hirneisen serves as a Board Member for the Erie County Land Bank and as a member of the Site Selection Committee for Habitat for Humanity. She is also a member of the American Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and the Erie County Bar Association. She will be replacing retiring Deputy Solicitor George Joseph.
Steve Schillo, MA, Interim Director of Finance
Mr. Schillo served Erie County as interim Director of Human Resources in 2015 after retiring from SUNY Fredonia as Vice President of Finance and Administration. He had formerly served as Vice President for Management and Business at Duquesne University and Vice President for Finance and Administration at Gannon University. He also worked as Associate Vice President – CFO at Georgetown University. Schillo holds a batchelor’s degree in Psychology and Economics as well as a master’s degree in Public Management and Policy Analysis from Carnegie Mellon University. With over a 30-year career in finance and administration, as well as prior experience with Erie County, Mr. Schillo will lead the Department of Finance as interim until a permanent leader is hired.
All will assume their roles on January 6th.
