Gov. Shapiro signs executive order creating Pa. Office of Transformation and Opportunity

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order creating the Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity in the governor’s reception room on Tuesday.

The Shapiro administration said in a statement that the newly formed office will be a “one-stop-shop for businesses looking to grow and will work to aggressively reignite Pennsylvania’s economy.”

“My administration will connect our business, our workforce, our world-class universities and research institutions, and the public sector to spur economic development, particularly in communities that have too often been left behind,” Shapiro said. “By helping businesses that are already here, encouraging new ones to move to Pennsylvania, and investing in our workforce, we can create real opportunity and build an economy that works for everyone.”

Shapiro tapped entrepreneur Ben Kirshner, a digital marketing executive, to lead the office.

Kirshner said that the office will lead efforts to streamline inter-agency permitting and regulatory processes for businesses across the Commonwealth.

“As a CEO, I know what it takes to entice a business to relocate and remain in the Commonwealth,” Kirshner said. I am aware of the issues that need immediate consideration in order to attract companies and jobs to Pennsylvania Now, as Chief Transformation Office.”