Who: Jennifer Liptak
Age: 39
Residence: Shaler
Occupation: Chief of staff to Allegheny County Chief Executive Rich Fitzgerald
Influential because: She has held several high-level positions during her 16 years as a county employee, now as Fitzgerald's top aide.
Influential beginnings: Liptak began working for the county in 1998 in District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr.'s office.
Influential number cruncher: Before joining Fitzgerald's staff when he became county executive in 2012, Liptak spent eight years as County Council's budget director. In that post, she assisted the council in developing annual operating, capital, grant and special accounts budgets. She functioned as the council's liaison in the county manager's office, the Department of Budget and Finance and the Department of Economic Development.
Influential among pensioners: In addition to her chief of staff duties, Liptak serves on the Allegheny County Retirement Board, which oversees the retirement system for county employees.
Influentially providing oversight: Liptak is a member of the Allegheny County Professional Services Review Committee, which evaluates proposals for professional services for architects, engineers, financial consultants, legal services and medical consulting.
Influential interim duty: Liptak spent a month as acting county manager in 2012, bridging the gap between former Manager James Flynn and current Manager William McKain.
Influential education: Liptak has a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. She obtained a professional certification in advanced accounting from Duquesne University's School of Leadership and Professional Advancement.
Influential outreach: Liptak serves on the board of directors of Riverlife, the public-private partnership and advocacy organization for the redevelopment of Pittsburgh's riverfronts, and on the board of First Night, the city of Pittsburgh's annual New Year's Eve celebration.
Influential internship: Liptak once served as an intern to the late U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown.
Influential family: Liptak has a husband, Brian, and a daughter, Caroline Rose, and a son, Brenden.
