09-28-2023 The Good, the Bad & the Ugly (A Right-to-Know Law Experience)

Craig Staudenmaier has built a reputation as an authority on Right-to-Know and Media Law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He is at the forefront of issues and landmark cases stemming from the Commonwealth’s open records and meetings laws. Craig also concentrates his practice in the areas of state and federal litigation. Much of Craig’s litigation practice is devoted to representing the railroad industry, as well as assisting both large and small businesses facing litigation issues. He routinely represents clients in all phases of the litigation process including mediation, arbitration, and appeals.

Liz Wagenseller began serving a six-year term as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records (OOR) in January 2021. She leads all aspects of the independent, quasi-judicial agency that decides appeals of denied requests for records under the Right-to-Know Law (RTKL). The RTKL works to provide fair and legal access to local and state government records.

Before coming to the OOR, Liz was actively involved in promoting government accountability, serving as Chief of Staff to former Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale. In that capacity, she provided direct input to the Auditor General on all issues related to the Department, and oversaw daily operations, directed strategy for all Department communications and legislative initiatives, and collaborated with citizens, legislators, and other stakeholders on various issues.

In addition to her career in the public sector, Liz worked at two national public opinion research firms where she utilized survey and focus group research to develop strategic plans for nonprofits, advocacy groups, and campaigns.

Liz earned a degree in economics from the College of William and Mary (B.A. 2000). Originally from South Dakota, Liz grew up in Mount Vernon, Virginia and currently lives in Lancaster County.