MECHANICSBURG, PA, April 08, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Susan M. Shanaman, JD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Shanaman has established a distinguished career in law and public service, marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements and a steadfast commitment to her profession. In her current capacity as an attorney at Shanaman Law, she provides expert counsel to coroners throughout Pennsylvania, responding to inquiries regarding the status of deceased individuals within their jurisdictions. Her guidance encompasses complex issues, including determining when a body is considered unclaimed and advising on the appropriate circumstances for body donation. Ms. Shanaman's expertise in assisting coroners is widely recognized, and she is lauded for her exceptional ability to navigate the nuanced legal landscape surrounding these sensitive matters.

Since 1989, Ms. Shanaman has practiced law independently, following her tenure in public service. After the birth of her daughter, she transitioned from her role in the Pennsylvania State Senate to private practice, where she began representing the Association of Coroners. Over approximately 32 years, she served as solicitor for the association—a role that had previously seen frequent turnover. Ms. Shanaman takes particular pride in this accomplishment, having provided consistent and effective legal representation for more than three decades. From 1998 to 2014, she also served as a government liaison for the Pennsylvania State Coroners' Association.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Shanaman was appointed the first woman chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission from 1979 to 1981, following a nomination by Governor Dick Thornburgh. As chairman, she played a pivotal role in drafting and implementing new public utility laws that modernized the state's regulatory framework. She also worked as an attorney for the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1975 to 1979, where she contributed significantly to efforts aimed at revamping public utility legislation.

Ms. Shanaman's trailblazing journey began when she became the first woman attorney at the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission after graduating from law school. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in the commission's history and set a new standard for gender representation within the organization. Following her initial service as counsel to the commission, she continued to break barriers when she became the first woman endorsed by the Republican Party to run for statewide office as Auditor General. Although she narrowly lost the election by less than half of one percent of the vote, her candidacy represented a historic achievement and further solidified her legacy as a pioneer for women in government.

Ms. Shanaman's academic background laid a strong foundation for her professional accomplishments. She earned a Juris Doctor from Penn State Dickinson Law at The Pennsylvania State University in 1971 after completing a Bachelor of Arts in psychology at Lebanon Valley College in 1968. Her education equipped her with critical analytical skills and an understanding of human behavior—attributes that have proven invaluable throughout her legal career. Overall, she attributes her success to her determination to do what is right both for herself and others.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Ms. Shanaman is actively involved in civic organizations dedicated to historical preservation and community service. She volunteers with the Mount Zion Church Cemetery Board in Churchtown, Pennsylvania, and serves on the Cumberland County Historical Society's committee focused on preserving history. Additionally, she supports and volunteers with the Camp Curtin Historical Society, reflecting her deep commitment to honoring local heritage.

Born in Lebanon County, Ms. Shanaman values family and personal enrichment alongside her professional endeavors. She was married to an attorney for 43 years and is the mother of one daughter. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, knitting and exploring genealogy and history.

Looking ahead, Ms. Shanaman remains dedicated to representing coroners across Pennsylvania and supporting both their work and the communities they serve. She is also committed to researching the history of coroners within the state and has begun compiling a comprehensive list of all individuals who have held this office since its inception—an endeavor that underscores her passion for both legal advocacy and historical scholarship. Encouraging others in the industry, she emphasizes the importance of setting goals, staying focused and persevering toward success.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #