PA Turnpike Commission Names New Director of Government Affairs
PA Turnpike Commission Names New Director of Government Affairs
MIDDLETOWN, PA — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (Commission) is pleased to announce the appointment of Kenneth Varhola as its new Director of Government Affairs. Varhola brings nearly three decades of public‑sector, regulatory and legislative leadership to the role, along with a proven ability to build strong, productive relationships across all levels of government and industry.
“The Commission looks forward to the leadership, insight, and collaborative approach that Ken will bring to this role. The General Assembly are key stakeholders that help the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission meet its mission to provide a safe and reliable roadway that supports national mobility and commerce,” said Mark Compton, CEO of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. “This hiring demonstrates our commitment to building and maintaining strong relationships with our Legislators, who serve as a critical bridge between the Commission and the communities they represent.”
In his most recent role, Varhola served as Chief of Staff to the Allegheny County Council, supporting the 15‑member legislative body and managing the professional staff responsible for delivering high‑quality legislative, constituent and communications services. Working directly with county leadership, departmental directors, and local, state and federal officials, he collaborated on thoughtful policy development, effective legislative coordination, and timely responses to constituent and stakeholder needs. Additionally, he was responsible for public messaging, press interaction, and the Council’s digital platform management.
Previously, Varhola held key government affairs roles within the energy sector, including serving as Senior Governmental Representative for Duquesne Light Company. There, he developed and strengthened relationships with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, state and local elected officials, and represented the company before elected leaders, environmental agencies and the media.
Varhola’s extensive legislative background includes a decade in the Pennsylvania Senate, serving as Chief of Staff and Executive Director of the Senate Local Government and Law and Justice Committees. In these roles, he drafted and negotiated legislation, managed multimillion‑dollar grant processes, oversaw multiple district offices and steered a wide range of policy issues.
With experience spanning legislative development, regulatory affairs, public agency coordination, community engagement and strategic communications, Varhola will advance the Commission’s goals and support proactive engagement with policymakers, stakeholders and the public.
A national transportation leader, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) is the second largest tolling facility in the United States with the most miles. The PA Turnpike proudly supports safety and convenience for its more than 550,000 daily customers through 24-7 roadside assistance, round-the-clock food and fuel at 17 service plazas and a dedicated maintenance force and State Police Troop. The PA Turnpike’s approximately 1,400-person local workforce is unified in its mission; to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. For more information about the PA Turnpike’s mission, vision and values, please visit Home | PA Turnpike.
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Media Contacts:
Marissa Orbanek, Press Secretary: 267-408-5151, morbanek@paturnpike.com
Crispin Havener, Assistant Press Secretary: 717-870-2841, chavener@paturnpike.com