HARRISBURG, Pa. -  Governor Josh Shapiro has appointed Dr. Erin R. Houston, president and CEO of the Shenango Valley Urban League, to the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs. The announcement, made on Monday, appointed 27 commissioners to the 2025-27 advisory board.

The commission's purpose is to advise the governor on the needs of African American Pennsylvanians, evaluate programs that affect them, and act as a liaison between the governor's office and the community. The commission was established by Shapiro through an executive order.

Dr. Houston, a native of Farrell, Pennsylvania, has been the president and CEO of the Shenango Valley Urban League since 2013. Before her current role, she spent eight years as the organization's education director, where she oversaw youth programming, employment, and community outreach.

Her academic background includes a bachelor's degree in management information systems from Gannon University, a master's in leadership from Duquesne University, and a doctorate in instructional management and leadership from Robert Morris University. Her dissertation focused on how faculty perceived the impact of equal opportunity and diversity policies.

"Each commissioner brings a lived experience, local insight, and a passion for delivering solutions that truly meet the needs of our community," said Sierra Dunn, the commission's executive director, in a press release. "I'm proud to welcome this new coalition of leaders who understand that public service is about showing up and listening and turning care into action."

In 2013, Houston was recognized as a "40 Under Forty" nominee by the Shenango Valley and Lawrence County Chambers of Commerce. She is also a member of the Epsilon Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.