Sandi Vito is widely recognized as the gem of Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor & Industry. Serving as the Acting Secretary of the said department, Vito is responsible for protecting, promoting, and nurturing the interests the state’s workers and employers. Through Vito’s leadership, Pennsylvania has successfully implemented crucial programs such as development of the workforce, vocational rehabilitation and compensation for the workers. Vito also oversaw the department’s regulatory responsibilities. In recent years, Vito has turned her attention to the state’s unemployed citizens, helping thousands receive a significant extension of unemployment compensation benefits.

The efforts of Sandi Vito also extended to the economic growth strategy led by Gov. Edward G. Rendell. During her time as Deputy Secretary for Workforce Development, Vito played a vital role in designing the Job Ready PA, which significantly expanded employment and training opportunities for the people of Pennsylvania. The campaign centered on a complete revamp of the workforce development system, with added attention to the improvement of Industry Partnerships. The program essentially helped both the state’s workers and employers to become more competitive. Upon completion of the program, over 70,000 workers have been trained for the state’s many businesses. A year after their training, these workers have benefitted from an increase in wages, amounting to an average of 6.62 percent. In 2008, the Pennsylvania Center for Health Careers also gained a boost in workforce, with the state gaining an additional 7,232 RN graduates and an additional 2,149 LPN graduates. With Vito’s proactive stance on workforce development, Pennsylvania can be sure to reap more rewards in the coming years.