PITTSBURGH (March 2026) – Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney's government relations section will continue its strategic expansion with the addition of Jenn Beer as a principal in its Pittsburgh office. Beer currently serves as President and CEO of Leadership Pittsburgh, Inc. and will join Buchanan after a search process and transition period for the organization's next leader.
"Jenn is a strong leader in the region. Throughout her career, she has always advocated for community development and the economic advancement of Pittsburgh," said Randy Vulakovich, senior principal and co-chair of the government relations practice group. "We're proud to welcome her to Buchanan to help grow the government relations group and enhance value for our clients."
"I look forward to joining Buchanan and returning to my long-standing professional passion for government affairs and public policy," said Beer. "I will leverage my business, nonprofit, and government experience to empower clients in achieving their objectives. My aim is to help clients navigate complex issues and build relationships that drive successful initiatives and positive outcomes for the region."
Beer joined Leadership Pittsburgh as President & CEO in 2022. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded programming for alumni, increased corporate and foundation funding, and led the organization through a complete rebrand. Her tenure has been marked by a strong focus on community engagement – including a broader regional scope – and advancing the organization's overall mission to strengthen regional leadership through programs, partnerships, and connections.
The organization's Board of Directors will initiate a comprehensive search process for the organization's next leader, and Beer will remain in her role, working closely with the Board and Leadership Pittsburgh staff to ensure continuity and stability.
Prior to her role at Leadership Pittsburgh, Beer served the region for fifteen years at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, where she was most recently vice president for government affairs. In that capacity, she supported the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce by directing state and regional public policy issues that aligned with the strategic priorities of the organization. She was instrumental in the efforts to secure state public pension reform, increase tax credits for community development initiatives, garner comprehensive state transportation funding, and numerous other business climate and local government initiatives.
Beer previously served as government affairs manager with the Society of Interventional Radiology, and she was a legislative assistant for Pennsylvania State Representative Dan Frankel.
"Buchanan offers one of the largest and most well-established government relations practices in Pennsylvania, and we are excited to welcome Jenn to the firm," said Jim Newell, the firm's Chairman and CEO. "Jenn will add further depth and strength to our Pittsburgh office's government relations group and provide a major opportunity for our strategic growth across the commonwealth."