City’s incoming COO looks to Pittsburgh’s ‘new chapter’ and fostering greater engagement

Sharon Werner is responsible for overseeing operations in Mayor-elect Corey O’Connor’s administration. Along with “keeping the trains running,” Werner has another goal.

Speaking with the Chronicle, the Squirrel Hill resident and Pittsburgh’s soon-to-be chief operating officer said she’d like to inspire younger residents to consider public service: “I hope to some degree that’s going to be one of my professional legacies.”

Involvement is a critical element of communal betterment, she believes. It’s a lesson Werner, 48, has learned from decades in the public and private sectors.

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After graduating from Stanford Law School, the former State College resident worked as an attorney in New York City and later chief of staff to Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.). Before relocating to Pittsburgh eight years ago, she served in the Obama Administration as chief of staff to U.S. Attorneys General Eric Holder and Loretta Lynch. Since 2017, Werner has held senior positions at PNC Bank, including chief counsel and COO of the bank’s Corporate Responsibility Group.

Werner’s professional posts have given her certain understandings.

For instance, departments within larger organizations need to work together, she said. “When people are siloed, we can’t get big things done.”

Cooperation for the greater good is critical; and the work isn’t only effectuated internally, she explained.

During her time at PNC, Werner has observed partnerships between the city and corporate and foundation communities. Helping continue a process where stakeholders contribute to Pittsburgh’s growth is critical, she said.

O’Connor touted Werner’s skills and experience in a statement: “She has led operations of large organizations, has extensive experience with federal-level policy and has deep ties across the Pittsburgh community to ensure every resident has a government that works for them.”

“We’re building a city government that strengthens our neighborhoods with improved delivery of services, and Sharon Werner has a unique and impressive combination of private, public, legal and community service experience necessary to oversee the effective operations of those services,” he said.

Werner appreciates the support and says she looks forward to aiding
the new administration.

“It is an amazing group of people, and I do believe that everyone is there for the right reason,” Werner said. The commitment to bettering Pittsburgh “comes from the top,” she continued. “I think Mayor-elect O’Connor has all the right intentions, and that trickles down to the rest of the team.”

Werner described a “new chapter that’s coming” for Pittsburgh and hopes residents are excited and ready to work toward a greater future.

Whether it’s through a career in public service or volunteering with local organizations — Werner has served on the boards of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh and Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh — there are ways to bolster one’s surroundings while fostering civic engagement, she noted.

Being the city’s chief operating officer enables countless involvements with Pittsburgh life. And although implementing a strategic vision engenders change, Werner’s desire to be a catalyst may make the biggest difference.

“I think the more people that go into government and just try to do good for their communities, and to try to actually make a difference on the ground for people, is one way that we can help show folks that government’s not all just about elections and politics,” she said. “There are folks that work in government just trying to make their city, or state or even the national landscape better for all people.”

Conveying that lesson may prompt understanding. Or more importantly, she noted, it can lead to another generation asking, “how they can get more involved?” PJC

Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.