Donna Oberlander
Donna Oberlander brings more than two decades of public service, legislative leadership, and economic development experience to her role as a partner at Rooney Novak Isenhour Group (RNI). A respected leader in Pennsylvania government, Donna combines her extensive knowledge of the legislative process, strong bipartisan relationships, and firsthand business experience to help clients navigate complex policy issues, advance strategic priorities, and identify opportunities for growth.
First elected in 2008, Donna served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 2009 to 2024, representing the 63rd Legislative District. During her tenure, she made history as the first woman to serve as Republican Whip (2020–2022). She also held key leadership positions as Republican Policy Chairman (2018–2020) and Caucus Secretary (2015–2018). Her leadership roles provided her with extensive experience in legislative strategy, policy development, coalition building, and negotiations on issues impacting businesses, communities, and families across the Commonwealth.
In addition to her legislative leadership responsibilities, Donna served as Co-Chair of both the Pennsylvania House Oil and Gas Caucus and the Manufacturing Caucus, developing a deep understanding of two of the Commonwealth's most important economic sectors. Through these roles, she worked closely with industry leaders, employers, and policymakers on issues involving energy production, regulatory policy, workforce development, infrastructure, and economic competitiveness. Her experience provides valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Pennsylvania's energy and manufacturing industries and the policies that influence their continued growth.
Donna also served as a legislative appointee to the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) Board, helping guide funding decisions for critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the Commonwealth. This experience provided her with valuable insight into public infrastructure financing, environmental regulatory requirements, and the challenges facing municipalities, utilities, and communities seeking to modernize essential infrastructure.
Donna demonstrated significant leadership in healthcare policy as Co-Chair of the Pennsylvania House Diabetes Caucus. Working with healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and the Pennsylvania Diabetes Action Network, she championed efforts to improve diabetes prevention, education, and disease management. She sponsored the bipartisan resolution that led to Pennsylvania's first comprehensive legislative study of diabetes prevention and management programs in 2015, establishing an ongoing reporting initiative to help inform public policy and improve health outcomes across the Commonwealth.
Prior to her service in the General Assembly, Donna served as a Clarion County Commissioner from 2004 to 2008. Her political career began at the grassroots level, working in political campaigns and legislative constituent outreach. These experiences helped shape her practical, relationship-driven approach to public policy and government relations.
A former small business owner and economic development professional, Donna has long been a passionate advocate for Pennsylvania's business community. Before entering the legislature, she worked with the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation, where she assisted businesses and entrepreneurs with financing, development, and growth opportunities. Her experience as a certified finance professional and business outreach manager provided her with a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing employers and the importance of policies that encourage investment, job creation, and economic opportunity.
Donna currently serves as Chair of the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Advisory Council, where she continues her commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening small businesses, and advancing economic development throughout Pennsylvania. In recognition of her advocacy, she received consecutive Guardian of Small Business awards from the Pennsylvania chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).
Her commitment to leadership and community service extends beyond government and business. Donna currently serves on the Council of Trustees for Pennsylvania Western University, the Board of Directors of Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania, and the Board of Trustees of the Senator John Heinz History Center. Through these leadership roles, she continues to support education, historical preservation, community engagement, and opportunities for future generations. She has also served on the boards of Women In Government and Clarion-Jefferson County Community Action.
Throughout her career, Donna has received numerous honors recognizing her leadership and service. Most recently, she received the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Clarion Chamber of Business and Industry and was named to City & State Pennsylvania's 50 Over 50 list. She was also recognized among the publication's 2022 Power of Diversity: Top 100 Women and received the Be Someone for Kids Award (2022), Rural Health Legislator Award (2019), and Recovery Champion Award (2019).
At RNI, Donna leverages her extensive legislative leadership experience, strong relationships throughout Pennsylvania, and deep understanding of the Commonwealth's business and regulatory environment to help clients navigate government, shape public policy, and achieve their strategic objectives. Her expertise is particularly valuable to organizations in energy, manufacturing, healthcare, infrastructure, economic development, and other highly regulated industries seeking to grow and succeed in Pennsylvania.
Donna and her husband, Derek, a United States Marine Corps veteran, are the proud parents of two adult children, Tori and Tanner.
Rooney Novak Isenhour Group