Meet PennDOT's William Penn Fellow, Shane Rice

In July 2019, we welcomed Shane Rice to the PennDOT team as our William Penn Fellow. During this time, he has been a great asset to the Executive Policy Office.  

Rice is contributing to various projects, including freight optimization, land use, economic development, automated and connected vehicles, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. One of his main projects has been related to transportation funding.

"Transportation funding is one of the biggest challenges facing our nation," Rice said. "One of the largest threats to our economy is the underinvestment in transportation infrastructure and the lack of sustainable, dedicated funding for interstate maintenance and operations."

Part of Rice's fellowship is visiting sites across the state, including the Erie Port Authority and Waste Management Recycling Center. He has also attended various conferences for organizations like the National Governor's Association and the Northeast Association of State Transportation Officials, meeting public officials, and private-sector leaders from across the nation and around the world. Throughout his fellowship, Rice has also enjoyed working on a broad array of topics through interagency collaborations.

Rice's fellowship will conclude in July 2021. Through his work with PennDOT, he hopes to develop data-driven transportation policies that enhance mobility options and increase the accessibility and equity of the transportation system.

Prior to beginning the fellowship, Rice attended Fordham University, earning his bachelor's degree in business administration with aminor in economics. He went on to earn a master's degree in public administration and certificate in public finance from the University of Pennsylvania.

"I went back to school and earned my MPA with the desire to take on big challenges facing society, and work to improve people's lives," Rice remarked. "Working for the commonwealth, and specifically with PennDOT's Executive Policy Office, gives me the opportunity to engage with national and international policy issues, while also improving the quality of life and economic strength of my local community and communities across the commonwealth."    

Rice lives in Doylestown, but spends most of his time in Harrisburg during the week. Outside of his work with the commonwealth, he caters to his eclectic taste in music by enjoying live shows.

About the William Penn Fellowship

The William Penn Fellowship is granted to talented, passionate individuals with a commitment to public service and a drive to help make Pennsylvania a better place to live. The program provides aspiring professionals with the opportunity to serve and learn with the state's top executive leaders.

Enthusiastic and highly-motivated individuals spend two years working full-time for senior and top-ranking government officials. Fellows are assigned to state agencies to complete impactful projects based on their personal interests and skill sets.

Throughout the program, fellows will participate in leadership development trainings and have opportunities to attend events with the state's top private and public sector leaders.

For more information on the fellowship, please visit the William Penn Fellowship page at governor.pa.gov.