Mary Esther Van Shura has served as the Director of Community Affairs since 2006. Initially, she served in the Dan Onorato administration when he was County Executive. She retained that position in the current Rich Fitzgerald administration. In that position, she interfaces on issues of the census, My Brother’s Keeper, disabilities, older adults, food security, veterans and education. She is also engaged with international and immigrant communities and numerous initiatives including Sunset Review, Allegheny 365 and the Public Health Commission on Preventing Violence and Promoting Community Mental Health.

Previously, Dr. Van Shura served as Department of Parks and Recreation Assistant Director for the City of Pittsburgh from 1996-2006 and primarily oversaw senior community centers, preschools and the summer food program. Prior professional positions included serving as Director of the State Office for United States Senator Harris Wofford, Director of Services for individuals with intellectual disabilities for a community non-profit, and as an elementary school teacher in Waverly, New York.

With respect to higher education, Dr. Van Shura is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education.

Dr. Van Shura received a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Pittsburgh with previous degrees of a Master of Science from the State University of New York at Albany, and a Bachelor of Science from College Misericordia in Dallas, PA.

Mary Esther serves on the Remake Learning Council.