Mark S.Singel— Mark has been a contract lobbyist and a consultant since 1995. From 1987 through 1995, Singel was Lieutenant Governor and, for a period of time, Acting Governor of the Commonwealth. The only person in Pennsylvania history to serve as Acting Governor, Singel received high marks for his stewardship. He led the state by enacting the first modern workers’ compensation reform package, refinanced the state’s park system through the “Key 93” program, and helped launch the high-tech era with landmark telecommunications legislation. He was also instrumental in reducing state and local taxes, the implementation of a statewide 911 emergency phone system,and the creation of thousands of new jobs in recycling and environmental technologies. He was the original author of the state’s mortgage assistance bill that has saved 35,000 Pennsylvania homes.
Prior to his terms as Lieutenant Governor, Singel served six years in the Pennsylvania State Senate and was chief of staff to two members of the U.S. Congress.
As a state senator, Singel played an active role in reshaping the economy of the Greater Johnstown area. He was the author of landmark economic development initiatives, education and job training programs, and small business development incentives. Some of the projects he guided in his public role included renovation of community facilities like the Cambria County War Memorial, the JohnstownFloodMuseum, PennVest funding for water and sewerage infrastructure, and numerous capital projects for schools and community centers. He initiated the effort to bring the National Folk Life Festival to Johnstown which has grown into the annual Folkfest celebration. Singel helped secure nearly a billion dollars worth of highway improvements during his tenure and worked closely with Congressman John Murtha and local officials to help the area through difficult economic times.
Singel ran for U.S. Senate in 1992 and for Governor in 1994. He served as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party from 1995-1998 and was the President of Pennsylvania’s Electoral College in January, 1997.
Upon leaving public service, he founded Singel Associates and later served as Managing Director of Public Affairs Management., playing key roles in the legislative and administrative processes of government from a different perspective.
Singel established The Winter Group in February, 2005 and has developed it into one of the most effective and prestigious government relations firms in the state. He continues to provide consulting services to clients in retail, hospitality and gaming, manufacturing, technology, energy, non-profits, and health care fields.
While his business is focused inHarrisburg and Washington, Singel continues to play a key role in hometown activities. His recent activities have included securing millions of dollars for the JohnstownRegionalTechnologyCenter, and providing assistance for private concerns throughout the region. Singel serves on the Board of the newly formed Vanguard Energy Corporation based in Johnstown and remains active in educational and community functions.
Singel served as chairman of Governor Ed Rendell’s Transition Executive Committee and maintains strong personal and political ties with leaders at all levels today. These relationships allow him and his firm to maintain a “seat at the table” with the right decision makers. Singel maintains collegial relationships with key members of the House and Senate on both sides of the aisle and is a known Harrisburg “insider” with a reputation for getting results.
A magna cum laude graduate of PennState, Singel continues to serve as an adjunct professor at the Harrisburg campus. He has served on the Boards of Penn State and St. Francis Universities and holds several honorary doctorate degrees. Singel is consistently listed as a key operative at the state level and is a regular commentator on local and statewide political broadcast programs. He is a sought-after speaker at both political and academic events and is active in numerous community and philanthropic activities.
Singel has been married to Jacqueline (Schonek) Singel for over 30 years and has three children: Allyson, Jonathan, and Christopher.