Paula Vitz
Paula Vitz joined Capital Associates in July 2001 bringing more than 20 years of extensive experience at senior levels in both the Executive and Legislative branches of state government.
During this period, Paula served in the Office of the Governor, the Senate of Pennsylvania, and the PA Department of Agriculture. She was Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office of Public Liaison under Governor Tom Ridge and oversaw appointments to more than 800 Boards and Commissions. She advised the Governor on a regular basis and worked closely with the General Assembly, cabinet members and the Governor’s executive staff on all gubernatorial appointments.
Paula held a variety of executive positions while in the Senate, including terms as Executive Director of four committees: Public Health and Welfare, Local Government, Game and Fisheries, and Military and Veterans Affairs. She also served as the key staff person for former Senator Roy Wilt during his term as Majority Caucus Secretary.
She worked on over 250 sets of regulations, contributed significantly to legislation that created the Health Care Cost Containment Council and was integral to the passage of the state’s most comprehensive oil and gas legislation.
In addition to her public service, Paula has been involved extensively in Pennsylvania electoral activities, including managing or assisting in campaigns for President, U.S. Senator, Governor, members of the General Assembly and offices at the local level. She serves on: the York County Community Foundation Board – Ag Advisory Board; the Anne Anstine Excellence in Series-Board of Directors; and the Penn State Ag Advisory Board. She served as a member of the Agriculture Transition Team for Governor Tom Corbett. She is a member of Women in Pennsylvania Government Relations. She served as Chair of the Agriculture Policy Committee for the Corbett/Cawley Campaign and on their Transition Team as Chair of the Harness and Thoroughbred Racing Commissions Review Committee.
Paula is the first recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. In 2010, she was honored as the Outstanding Special Volunteer by The York County Conservation District. In May 2012, she was appointed by Governor Tom Corbett to serve on the PA Commission for Women, a group of diverse and dynamic women leaders, entrepreneurs and mentors. In May 2013, the Governor nominated her to the prestigious Governor’s Council on the Arts and her nomination was confirmed by the Senate of Pennsylvania in June 2013. She was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the York Cultural Alliance. Paula was recognized as Woman of the Year for 2013-2014 by The National Association of Professional Women.
Paula is responsible for strategic and political consulting, policy development, lobbying and advocacy. Paula graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1975, with a B.S. Degree in Political Science. She resides in Red Lion, PA with her husband, extended family, and their adorable dachshunds, Bo and Chico.
E-mail: vitz@capitalassoc.com