Sherene Hess was first elected as commissioner in 2016, bringing 25 years of experience in environmental conservation and resource management, with a strong record of supporting western Pennsylvania’s agricultural producers in protecting soil and water.

Hess has served on numerous county and statewide boards and currently works with fellow officials to strengthen human services for vulnerable residents, expand drug, alcohol, and mental health services, ensure continuous justice system operations, enhance emergency management, and promote workforce development and job growth in Indiana County. Commissioner Hess earned a degree in environmental resources management through the College of Agriculture Sciences at Penn State University.