Sen. Judy Schwank recognizes that the needs and concerns
of residents of the 11th Senatorial District are not limited by its boundaries.
Her achievements in government and nonprofit realms reflect Judy’s interest in
and advocacy for sustainable growth and prosperity, both locally and statewide.
Sen. Schwank has dedicated most of her adult life to public service. A former
Berks County Commissioner, Sen. Schwank has been committed to serving the people
of Berks County. Her passion for promoting sustainable growth, prosperity, and
preserving agricultural integrity has been exemplified through her many
accomplishments in public service.
Following college, Sen. Schwank worked as a Berks County horticultural agent
for Penn State Cooperative Extension and established the Master Gardener
Program. She became director of the Berks County Cooperative Extension Program
in 1991 and was elected as the first female Berks County Commissioner in 2000.
Sen. Schwank’s interest in creating a sustainable Pennsylvania has drawn her to
public service roles in the government and nonprofit realms.
As President of 10,000 Friends, Sen. Schwank provided support to
organizations and individuals committed to improving the quality of life for all
Pennsylvania residents. Under her leadership the non-profit agency developed
policies and actions to revitalize and sustain Pennsylvania’s social and
economic climate in order to encourage responsible land use, sustainable
development, and promote agricultural heritage. Most recently Sen. Schwank
served as the Dean of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Delaware Valley
College.She attributes her success to her parents who taught her that public
service, a strong work ethic and personal integrity were the keys to a rewarding
life.
She serves as the Democratic chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Rural
Affairs Committee. During the current (2021-22) legislative session, she also
will serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Aging & Youth, Game and
Fisheries, and Health and Human Services Committees.