Baker: Senate Confirms Pennsylvania Parole Board Nominees

HARRISBURG - Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced the Senate voted to confirm the nominations of Suzanne V. Estrella and Stephen R. Zawisky to serve on the Pennsylvania Parole Board.

"The Pennsylvania Parole Board plays a critical role in balancing public safety and successful rehabilitation," Baker said. "During a confirmation hearing held by the Senate Judiciary Committee, members examined each nominee's qualifications and commitment to carrying out the board's important responsibilities and questioned them about their professional backgrounds, understanding of the parole process and the responsibilities associated with serving on the board."

Estrella has more than 30 years of legal experience. She is currently appointed as commonwealth victim advocate and leads the Office of Victim Advocate and its team of dedicated employees.

"I'm looking forward to opportunities to engage, not just with the dedicated members of the parole board, but with other state agencies and community service providers to find where we can plant seeds of hope, strength and encouragement to children across the commonwealth so they never engage with the Pennsylvania Parole Board," Estrella said.

Zawisky has dedicated more than two decades to public service with the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office where he currently serves as the chief deputy district attorney. In addition to his experience as a prosecutor, Zawisky served as a constitutional law instructor at Harrisburg Area Community College Municipal Police Academy from 2004-2021.

"I've been a lawyer for 24 years and a prosecutor for 22 years. My philosophy in my job has always been to do the right thing for the right reasons," Zawisky said. "I take great pride in sitting down with victims and their families. And I believe in second chances if the facts and circumstances support that."

"No matter how solid our work on changing laws and procedures and practices, the system is only as good as the capabilities of the individuals holding positions of responsibility, such as the important role of the parole board in making decisions about returning people convicted of crimes back to the community," Baker said. "I appreciate both nominees for their willingness to serve the commonwealth."

Watch the full confirmation hearing here.