McNeil steps down from Shapiro administration

“Serving as Secretary of the Department of General Services has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” McNeil said. “I'm incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished in service to the people of Pennsylvania.” 

“From working to modernize government operations and support our agency partners to creating opportunities for small businesses and improving the accessibility of public spaces, I am deeply grateful to Governor Shapiro for the opportunity to serve,” he continued. 

Shapiro nominated McNeil to lead the department in Feb. 2023 and was later unanimously confirmed by the state Senate in June of that same year. McNeil is the first African American to hold that cabinet position. 

In this role, according to the Shapiro administration, McNeil oversaw Pennsylvania’s state government operating agency responsible for the procurement of goods and services, the management of non-highway capital projects, the management of the commonwealth’s real estate portfolio, increasing and advancing contracting opportunities for small and small diverse businesses, the expansion of energy sustainability and conservation activities, and the maintenance and protection of state-owned buildings and facilities.

“For over three years, the Secretary has worked to ensure our Commonwealth delivers efficient, effective services to millions of Pennsylvanians,” Shapiro said. “Under his leadership, the Department of General Services has saved millions of taxpayer dollars through reducing the Commonwealth’s reliance on leased spaces, completed a comprehensive accessibility study of the Capitol Complex, and provided small businesses across Pennsylvania with more opportunities to work with the state government.” 

“Whether serving in our nation’s military or the Commonwealth in my cabinet, Secretary McNeil has dedicated his career to public service,” Shapiro added.

Prior to serving as DGS Secretary, McNeil was the chief operating officer of The School District of Philadelphia and served 22 years in the Navy.

Following McNeil’s departure, DGS Executive Deputy Secretary Sandra Aguilera will be named Acting Secretary effective August 1, 2026.

Aguilera described it as an honor to serve in this role. 

“I want to thank Secretary McNeil for his leadership and the lasting impact he has made on this department and the Commonwealth,” said Aguilera. “DGS has an exceptional team of professionals dedicated to delivering effective, efficient, and accountable government services every day.” 

“Our partners and the public can expect a seamless transition as we continue advancing the department's mission and supporting the priorities of the Shapiro Administration,” she continued. 

Prior to Aguilera’s appointment to her current role, she served as the Policy Director at DGS, where she led agency-wide policy development and spearheaded initiatives to improve equity, efficiency, and transparency across procurement and facilities management, according to the Shapiro administration. She also previously served as Deputy Director of Civic Engagement for the Bureau of Elections at the Pennsylvania Department of State and worked for U.S. Senator Bob Casey, where she directed regional outreach and engagement efforts in south-central Pennsylvania.