Headshot

Nicole Gabriel

Executive Assistant

Nicole Gabriel is the Executive Assistant at the Commonwealth Foundation, based in the Harrisburg office. She enjoys keeping the office running smoothly, solving problems with initiative, and helping build a workplace where everyone feels connected and included.

Previously, Nicole worked in administrative support at M&T Bank and taught primary school in Vietnam for several years. Her years living abroad taught her to think on her feet, embrace new challenges, and remain resourceful. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from San Diego State University.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys volunteering in the community, traveling to new and adventurous places, and exploring different cuisines. A passionate traveler, she has visited 15 countries and loves learning about new cultures along the way.

Teacher Pays for Politics She Never Supported

  • Priya Brannick
  • December 1, 2014

Just four days before the November mid-term elections, college professor Mary Trometter got a letter from her teachers union, the Pennsylvania State Education Association. Well, to be precise—Trometter's husband got…

Media

Read More: Teacher Pays for Politics She Never Supported

Regulation

EPA Rule Would Increase PA Energy Bills by $1,000

  • Gordon Tomb
  • November 26, 2014

The war on coal will be a catastrophe for consumers, according to a new analysis of energy prices under new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. According to…

Media

Read More: EPA Rule Would Increase PA Energy Bills by $1,000

Taxes & Economy

The Gift of Work

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • November 25, 2014

Red kettles, canned food drives, Toys for Tots—the holidays are a time when private charity shines. But have you ever wondered about the best way to help the poor? Ron…

Media

Read More: The Gift of Work

Public Union Democracy

Why Corbett Missed the National Wave

  • Matthew Brouillette
  • November 25, 2014

Why did voters strongly reject Gov. Corbett’s re-election bid by double digit margins in favor of Tom Wolf—a candidate promising higher taxes on the “rich” and more spending on public…

Commentary

Read More: Why Corbett Missed the National Wave

A Real Conflict of Interest

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 21, 2014

Governor-elect Tom Wolf has recently made headlines for urging a gift ban, prohibiting executive branch officials from accepting gifts from lobbyists, and indicating he would end “no-bid” legal…

Media

Read More: A Real Conflict of Interest

Education

A Smarter Way to Fund Students

  • James Paul
  • November 20, 2014

Imagine writing a large check for a new car and finding out a year later that it fails safety tests, won’t pass inspection, and needs thousands in repairs. You’d probably…

Commentary

Read More: A Smarter Way to Fund Students

State Budget

Pennsylvania’s New Punxsutawney Phil

  • November 20, 2014

On February 2 of each year, all eyes are on Punxsutawney Phil. The famous groundhog is responsible for predicting the duration of winter-like weather. If Phil sees his shadow, we’re…

Media

Read More: Pennsylvania’s New Punxsutawney Phil

Public Union Democracy

Why we Need Paycheck Protection Now

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 19, 2014

Today, Commonwealth Foundation released a new summary of election-related spending by Pennsylvania’s government unions. In 2014, the seven largest government unions in the state gave $7.3 million directly to…

Media

Read More: Why we Need Paycheck Protection Now