Pittsburgh Controller Michael Lamb names new deputy

Pittsburgh Controller Michael Lamb has tapped a former congressional staffer who most recently worked with a federal budget watchdog group to be his deputy.

Rachael Heisler replaces Douglas Anderson in the post. In August, Anderson was appointed Pittsburgh’s treasurer and finance director.

“Rachael’s experience and expertise, particularly in the areas of public policy and finance, will be a great asset, not just to the Controller’s Office, but to the people of Pittsburgh,” Lamb said in a statement. “She is a proven leader, and I am very excited to see what she will bring to our efforts of improving municipal services while eliminating fraud, waste and abuse.”

Heisler is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and earned a master’s degree in public administration from Penn State University.

In 2010, she managed Rep. Jason Altmire’s re-election campaign and was named to Politics PA’s 30 under 30 list of rising stars for her work then. She spent six years working for Altmire, a moderate Democrat, and also worked on Sen. Bob Casey’s first campaign.

For the last seven years, Heisler has worked for the Washington-based Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget as senior adviser for state engagement.

“It has always been my dream to serve this amazing city and I am humbled by this opportunity and Controller Lamb’s confidence,” Heisler said in a statement.

I am honored to join @MichaelLambPA and the @PGHController team! pic.twitter.com/gCtzzX35S9

— Rachael Heisler (@rachaelheisler) January 13, 2021

Heisler lives on the North Side and serves on the board of the Allegheny YMCA. She is vice chair of the executive committee of Northside Food Pantry Advisers.

The Controller’s Office acts as the city’s independent fiscal watchdog. Last year, the office issued warnings about the financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and an audit of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

“I’ve long admired the work of Controller Lamb and his team, especially their efforts to make city government more transparent and effective,” Heisler said.