Gov Shapiro Announces Leadership Transition at PA Office of the Budget | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA - Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced Uri Monson is stepping down as Secretary of the Budget to become the next Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). The Governor will appoint Zachary Reber, who currently serves as Deputy Secretary for Fiscal Policy and Program Coordination in the Office of the Budget, to fill the role upon the conclusion of Monson's service.

These appointments follow a thorough and deliberative process to ensure strong, experienced leadership in two critical areas of the Commonwealth: the stewardship of Pennsylvania's public pension system and the management of Pennsylvania's fiscal operations. PSERS' Board of Trustees is expected to finalize Monson's appointment at its December 12 meeting.

"Pennsylvania taxpayers are fortunate to have dedicated public servants like Uri and Zach carefully managing the Commonwealth's budgetary and fiscal health. Uri has demonstrated exceptional financial leadership and integrity throughout his career, and as Secretary of the Budget, he instituted new policies that helped the Commonwealth receive its highest bond rating in more than a decade, saving taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. He has been a critical part of our team, and I know he will guide PSERS with the long-term interests of its members at the forefront," said Governor Shapiro. "Zach has been a key leader in the Budget Office for years - he understands the Commonwealth's fiscal landscape inside and out, and I have full confidence he will excel as our next Budget Secretary."

"Uri has spent decades serving the people of Pennsylvania - managing public finances with integrity, strengthening major institutions, and helping deliver real results for our Commonwealth. We are grateful for his service, and his steady leadership and deep experience will be a tremendous asset to PSERS," said Chief of Staff Dana Fritz, Governor's Office. "Zach has been a key member of our budget team since day one, bringing dedication, expertise, and a strong commitment to public service. His deep understanding of fiscal policy and his strong relationships across state government will serve the Commonwealth exceptionally well."

The PSERS Board selected Monson after a nationwide search. He will lead a staff of 350 and succeed Interim Executive Director Ben Cotton, following the retirement of former Executive Director Terrill Sanchez in June.

Since his appointment by Governor Shapiro as Secretary of the Budget in January 2023, Monson has led the Commonwealth's finances with a focus on long-term fiscal responsibility and strategic growth. Under Monson's leadership, Pennsylvania released its first-ever debt management policy, providing clear guidance on debt authorizations and repayment, and completed bond refinancing that will save taxpayers $193 million over the next decade. During his tenure, the Commonwealth has received its highest credit ratings in more than a decade, with Moody's, Fitch, and S&P all affirming Pennsylvania's positive outlook. Additionally, Monson played a key role in securing three bipartisan budgets - ensuring responsible financial management while supporting continued economic growth and stability across the Commonwealth.

Monson has spent nearly 30 years in senior roles across federal, state, and local government. His career includes serving as deputy superintendent of operations and CFO for the School District of Philadelphia, CFO of Montgomery County, executive director of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, and multiple roles in federal education policy and budgeting. Monson earned a master's degree in public policy from the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs and a bachelor's degree in political science from Columbia University, as well as a bachelor's degree in Midrash from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

With Monson's transition to PSERS, Reber will become Pennsylvania's next Secretary of the Budget. He currently serves as Deputy Secretary for Fiscal Policy and Program Coordination in the Office of the Budget, where he manages coordination between the Governor's Office and the Budget Office and plays a key role in shaping the Commonwealth's annual budget.

Reber has served the Commonwealth for more than a decade in various leadership roles. His work includes serving as Special Advisor to multiple Budget Secretaries; Executive Director of the Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center; Deputy Secretary of Policy and Planning in the Governor's Office; and multiple senior roles at the Department of Community and Economic Development. He began his Commonwealth service at the Department of Revenue in 2012.

Reber is a graduate of Alvernia University, where he earned a bachelor's degree with a major in political science and a minor in history, graduating summa cum laude from the Honors Program. He resides in Schuylkill County with his wife and two daughters, and he is also a fourth-generation farmer who operates a family farm with his two brothers.

Monson will conclude his service on Friday, December 12, 2025, and Reber will assume the role of Secretary of the Budget on Monday, December 15, 2025.