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Joann has established a distinguished record of achievement in her professional life, which has accrued to the direct benefit of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its citizens. She is a former Special Projects Manager for Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation. In that capacity, Joann participated in the development of private and public works projects with a collective value of over fifty million dollars. She is an expert in communication, management and public affairs.

Joann was the first appointed Executive Director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on African American Affairs in 1992 under then Governor Robert P. Casey. The commission is one of only three such commissions in the United States. Ms. Bell coordinated the activities of a twenty-five-member commission, and served as an important liaison between the Governor's office and the African American community in Pennsylvania. The commission through Ms. Bell's leadership is one of the Commonwealth's most effective advocates for African Americans in areas such as legislation, education, economic development, health, housing, and human services.

Ms. Bell also served the City of Philadelphia as the Director of the Mayor's Office of Affirmative Action and as a Special Assistant to former Mayor W. Wilson Goode. In 2008 Joann was appointed to the Philadelphia Department of Human Services Oversight Board by former Mayor Michael Nutter, and in 2012 she was appointed by Governor Tom Corbett to serve on the Board of the Delaware River Port Authority.

As a firm that has been lobbying for over 39 years, we advocate in a ethical and relentless manner representing a diverse array of clients. Simply stated - our work ethic, our relationships and our results are outstanding.

20+ years

Rocco founded the firm of Pugliese Associates in 1980 working from a small office in Harrisburg with a single client. The firm now maintains offices in Harrisburg and Philadelphia with close to 50 clients including: non-profit organizations, universities, government authorities, venture capitalists, state and national corporations, and trade associations.

Rocco has more than 35 years of lobbying and state government experience. Starting his working years in the mid-70's employed in the State Senate; he was later hired as an aide to the House Transportation Committee. In his years of lobbying, Rocco has been active on a number of highly visible, diverse and complex issues. They include such topics as gaming, corporate initiatives and ventures, appropriations, tobacco settlement, economic development, workers' compensation, state procurement, along with a variety of other policy and legislative issues.

Rocco graduated from Gannon University in 1975 with a BA in Political Science, and he also holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from Penn State University.

Experience, Integrity, and Results- Rocco's motivation, commitment, leadership and direction are what make Pugliese Associates what it is today.