Changes to Senate Republican Leadership senior staff will take place with the beginning of the 2015-16 legislative session, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson), Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre), Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) and Sen. John Gordner (R-Columbia).
Drew Crompton: In December, Drew Crompton will begin serving as General Counsel to the Majority Caucus, in addition to remaining Chief of Staff to the President Pro Tempore. As General Counsel, he will be responsible for managing all litigation for the Caucus, working on advancing priority issues and overseeing day-to-day legal matters for the Caucus.
Mr. Crompton joined the Pennsylvania Senate in 1993 as a policy advisor and has played a major role in the development of legislation relating to state taxes, healthcare, and lobbyist disclosure. He is also a graduate of Dickinson College, as well as Widener University School of Law.
“I am honored to fill the shoes of the likes of Steve MacNett and Donna Malpezzi,” Mr. Crompton said. “I look forward to taking on new responsibilities within the Caucus and being a part of the new Caucus team.”
“I am pleased that Drew has decided to accept the position of General Counsel to the Caucus,” Senator Scarnati said. “His extensive experience in overseeing concerns in regard to policy development and legal questions will be valuable to the Senate Republican staff. Without question, I fully trust in Drew and am confident he will lead the staff and Caucus with integrity as we continue to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth.”
“Drew’s extensive legal ability is a benefit to our entire Caucus and I am appreciative that someone of his acumen is able to serve the Caucus in this role,” Senator Corman said. “His legal resume and wide-ranging credibility is an integral part of our operations and he will be counted on greatly.”
“Drew is an exceptional attorney with a sharp legal mind,” Senator Gordner said. “He has already advised the caucus on numerous and diverse legal matters, so his background will certainly benefit us in his new role.”
Mark Meyer: Mark Meyer will take on the position of Chief of Staff to the Majority Leader, a continuation of his role as Chief of Staff to Sen. Corman, a job he has held since 2011. Mr. Meyer brings twenty years of experience, joining the Pennsylvania Senate in 1994, serving as Chief of Staff, as well as Executive Director for three Senators. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor’s Degree from Westminster College.
“Mark’s tenure with me as Chief of Staff has been invaluable and has served my office and district well,” Sen. Corman said. “His abilities to manage issues and direct staff will serve my new office equally well and bring a steady direction to the transition. I have tremendous confidence in Mark and I am very glad he is able to continue with me in this capacity.”
Dave Thomas: The position of Chief Counsel to the Majority Leader will be filled by Dave Thomas. In addition to managing legal responsibilities within Sen. Corman’s office, he will also serve as Floor Counsel to the Majority Leader, as well as the Caucus. Mr. Thomas will take on the responsibility of managing legislation for the Caucus and overseeing the calendar on the Floor.
For over 14 years, Mr. Thomas worked in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. His experience as Chief Counsel to the Speaker of the House and Legislative Counsel to the Pennsylvania Association for Justice, are among his many professional accomplishments. He is a graduate of Shippensburg University, as well as Widener University School of Law.
"I am honored and privileged to return to public service with the Senate,” Mr. Thomas said. “I am fortunate to have worked for one of Pennsylvania's finest Speakers of the House, Sam Smith and now I am excited to work for Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman and the entire Senate Republican Caucus. It's an amazing opportunity and one that I will deeply cherish."
“Dave Thomas has an unquestioned ability to advance issues through difficult legal questions and policy development,” Sen. Corman said. “His time with the House of Representatives will serve our Caucus immensely. I am very grateful that we were able to secure Dave’s talents for this important role and look forward to beginning work with him.”
“Dave will be a great addition to the Senate Leadership staff,” Sen. Browne said. “He is a smart, hardworking attorney who is well respected both in Harrisburg and in the legal community. He has a vast knowledge of state government, knows the capitol inside and out and has worked on many of the important issues that the Commonwealth is facing in the coming year.”
Kathy Eakin: Serving as Deputy Chief Counsel to the Majority Leader will be Kathy Eakin. Ms. Eakin has worked for the Commonwealth for over 35 years, including as Deputy General Counsel for Legislation and Secretary of Legislative Affairs for Gov. Ridge and Counsel to the Senate Republican Caucus and Senate Judiciary Committee.
Ms. Eakin earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Elizabethtown College, a Master’s Degree from Wake Forest University and Law Degree from the Dickinson School of Law.
“I am very fortunate that Kathy Eakin is able to bring her advanced legal expertise to my team,” Sen. Corman said. “Her experience in both the executive and legislative branches will continue to serve the Caucus well.”
"Kathy is one of the Senate's best lawyers and one of the hardest working individuals I know,” Mr. Thomas said. “She will remain a true asset to the Senate Republican Caucus and I am honored to have the pleasure of working with her."
Diane Acri: Joining the legal team as Deputy Counsel to the Majority Leader will be Diane Acri. She brings more than 23 years of experience working in state government and government relations. Ms. Acri received a Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State University and a Law Degree from Widener University School of Law.
“Diane brings to the office a wealth of legal and accounting experience, both in government and the private sector,” Sen. Corman said. “She is a great addition and I am looking forward to her joining the Senate.”
"Diane is an outstanding lawyer and has impressive public sector and private sector experience,” Mr. Thomas said. “She has worked for the House of Representatives and most recently served as Counsel to one of Harrisburg's lobbying firms. I am thankful for her willingness to join me in this new endeavor."
