top of page

Meet Kathleen

Meet Kathleen

Kathleen Madonna-Emmerling

Your voice in Allegheny County

Kathleen Madonna-Emmerling is running for election to Allegheny County Council in District 1.

​

Kathleen is a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh's Airport Area suburbs. She was in South Heights, graduated from Ambridge Area High School, and now resides in Moon Township, where she and her husband of 18 years raise their three active children.

​

​Kathleen is running for Allegheny County Council District 1 to ensure suburban communities have a strong, effective voice in county decisions. Her diverse professional and grassroots organizing background uniquely qualifies her to address the district's pressing challenges. Kathleen has a proven track record of asking tough questions, building consensus, and delivering results, as demonstrated by her leadership in expanding public library resources, advocating for fair labor conditions, and championing public education.


Her goals include connecting suburban residents to county resources, prioritizing issues like stormwater management, access to human services, public transportation, and fostering an economic culture that balances sustainable growth with a high quality of life. Kathleen’s extensive community involvement—from founding a grassroots PAC to organizing local campaigns and advocating for LGBTQ+ and library freedoms—reflects her commitment to transparency, fairness, and inclusivity.


With deep roots in the region, a history of practical problem-solving, and a passion for amplifying suburban voices, Kathleen is running to ensure Allegheny County operates efficiently and equitably for all its residents.

​

Kathleen Emmerling3.jpg

Experience that Matters

Kathleen's broad experience ranges from coaching youth sports to technical project management. With a proven track record of driving change, Kathleen is focused on bringing the needs of District 1 to the forefront of Allegheny County government.  

Experience that Matters
Microscope
All Hands In
Notebook

Professional Experience

Kathleen has extensive experience in non-profit fundraising, writing, and project management - directly impacting higher ed and medical research in the greater Pittsburgh region for over two decades. She can asks tough questions while maintaining long-lasting, productive relationships.

About County Council

Community Involvement

Everyone deserves equitable access to community services. Kathleen has fought book banning, LGBTQ+ discrimination, public school disinvestment, union busting, and housing discrimination in our community. On County Council, she will fight for you and the county services you deserve.

Education and Training

Kathleen is a Pittsburgher and lifelong learner at heart. She was the first in her immediate family to graduate college. Kathleen received a B.A. in both Political Science and English from Duquesne University and earned a Master's degree in Leadership and Organizational Change from Chatham University. She currently works in philanthropy at the University of Pittsburgh.

Join Kathleen's Campaign

bottom of page