Chastity Kishpaugh
Director of the Office of the CEO
Chastity Kishpaugh is the Director of the Office of the CEO at the Commonwealth Foundation.
Originally from Southern California, she traded sunny skies for the adventure of life as a U.S. Army spouse more than 25 years ago—a journey that shaped both her leadership style and her passion for service.
While living abroad, Chastity discovered her deep commitment to relationship building. As a volunteer, she served soldiers and their loved ones, supporting military families through extended deployments. This experience laid the foundation for a career centered on people, purpose, and connection.
Before joining the Commonwealth Foundation, Chastity worked in the new home industry, where she led strategy, events, and training initiatives. Across every role, she brings a thoughtful, people-first approach that strengthens organizations and the communities they serve.
Education
Teacher shortage? Try competition.
Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to … tinker with markets. That isn’t the original ending to that sentence, but it is certainly accurate. There…
Media
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A Policy Feast to be Thankful For
If public policy was for Thanksgiving dinner, what should be on the menu? It’s an unusual question, but while I’m looking forward to a nice Thanksgiving meal, I’m also looking…
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We’re Thankful For…
This Thanksgiving we have so much to be thankful for. We are grateful to call Pennsylvania home, grateful for our growing team, and incredibly grateful for our investors and supporters.
Media
Read More: We’re Thankful For…Government Accountability
It’s Apparent PA’s Not Transparent
Parties and perks on taxpayers' dime was the headline-grabbing news from Pennsylvania's Auditor General investigation of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC). His findings underscore the need for government transparency. The SRBC,…
Media
Read More: It’s Apparent PA’s Not TransparentEducation
Pittsburgh School Choice Fair
When I walked into the Pittsburgh School Choice Fair on Saturday, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I certainly did not anticipate being blown away by the diversity of…
Media
Read More: Pittsburgh School Choice FairState Budget
IFO Projects $1.7 Billion State Budget Deficit in 2019
Last year’s state budget boasted a series of firsts. It was the first budget in four years enacted before the June 30 deadline and represents the only budget Gov.
Media
Read More: IFO Projects $1.7 Billion State Budget Deficit in 2019Criminal Justice Reform
One Policy Where Trump and Wolf Agree
President Trump and Gov. Tom Wolf agree: minimum sentencing laws are counterproductive. Last Wednesday, President Trump announced his support of the FIRST STEP Act. The bill gives federal judges more…
Media
Read More: One Policy Where Trump and Wolf AgreeRegulation
Billions in Bribes Couldn’t Overcome Business Climate
As the old saying goes, “you can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.” Such is the case with the business climate in Pennsylvania. And it appears…
Media
Read More: Billions in Bribes Couldn’t Overcome Business ClimateTaxes & Economy
Pennsylvania’s Path to Tax Relief
Pennsylvania’s high state and local tax burden is hindering job growth, suppressing wages, and enabling wasteful government spending.
Memo
Read More: Pennsylvania’s Path to Tax ReliefEducation
Education Is a Necessity and We Should Fund It Like It?s One
Note: This commentary was originally published by Education Post. Letting parents choose the school or schooling that best fits their child shouldn't be so controversial. We don’t question the…
Media
Read More: Education Is a Necessity and We Should Fund It Like It?s OneRegulation
On Amazon and Unilaterally Disarming Corporate Welfare
Amazon just announced that instead of one “HQ 2”, they will chose two new facilities—neither of which will be in Pennsylvania, instead choosing New York and Virginia. This shouldn’t…
Media
Read More: On Amazon and Unilaterally Disarming Corporate WelfareEducation
Tax Credit Scholarships: Raise the Limits!
As shown in a recent CF report, Pennsylvania is a state at risk. Violence in schools, while decreasing, still occurs at a significant level. Pennsylvania’s achievement gaps are…
Media
Read More: Tax Credit Scholarships: Raise the Limits!Education
Fact Sheet: School Funding and Student Outcomes
Conversations about improving education often devolve into who will spend more. This enables some policymakers to offer a one-dimensional solution—funding—to a multi-dimensional issue—education. Key questions are ignored when the only…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Fact Sheet: School Funding and Student OutcomesRegulation
Pennsylvania’s Pension Systems
In 2017, Pennsylvania passed landmark pension reform that will kick in come January. But our $70 billion plus liability is still growing and so is the municipal pension crisis.
Memo
Read More: Pennsylvania’s Pension SystemsPublic Union Democracy
A Voice for Workers or Political Puppet Master?
Once again, government unions are among the biggest political spenders in Pennsylvania. While we must wait weeks for a final tally of election spending, unions have already spent another $5…
Media
Read More: A Voice for Workers or Political Puppet Master?Regulation
Four Fast Facts About PLCB Finances
It’s a timeless tradition. Each year, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) releases its financial report, touting the success of the government’s booze business. Shortly after, CF explains why the…
Media
Read More: Four Fast Facts About PLCB FinancesHealth Care
What Do Lower Exchange Premiums Mean?
For the first time in the history of the Affordable Care Act, exchange premiums are decreasing in Pennsylvania. Insurance Commissioner Altman announced an aggregate average decrease of 2.3 percent…
Media
Read More: What Do Lower Exchange Premiums Mean?Education
Grandma, What Do You Mean Schools Were Assigned by Zip Code?
My kids can’t imagine a world where nearly any question can’t be answered in mere seconds. Despite growing up without the internet, I can barely imagine it myself. In a…
Media
Read More: Grandma, What Do You Mean Schools Were Assigned by Zip Code?Government Accountability
Pennsylvania’s #1 Special Interest Problem
A solution that makes the problem worse is no solution at all. Yet, recent calls for campaign finance reform and a natural gas severance tax would do just that—selectively…
Media
Read More: Pennsylvania’s #1 Special Interest Problem
Pennsylvania’s Report Card: 2018 PSSA and Keystone Exams
On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania Department of Education released the 2018 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and Keystone Exam results. Both sets of exams are used to ensure Pennsylvania’s education system is meeting …
Media
Read More: Pennsylvania’s Report Card: 2018 PSSA and Keystone Exams