Gene Yaw is a Republican state senator representing Pennsylvania's 23rd Senatorial District, which includes Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union Counties. Elected in November 2008, he serves as Chairman of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and holds positions such as Vice Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee . He is also a member of multiple committees including Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Banking & Insurance, and Rules & Executive Nominations, and chairs the Center for Rural Pennsylvania while serving on boards like the Chesapeake Bay Commission and Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority.

Notable achievements include being named Lycoming County Solicitor of the Year in 2004 after 17 years in that role; receiving the 2023 WVIA Good Neighbor Award, Marcellus Shale Coalition Shale Gas Advocate Award, and Clean Water Champion award; the 2025 Karl Brown Award for Ag Conservation Leadership and Pennsylvania Chamber Leadership in Energy Service Award; and recognitions as a Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Business. A U.S. Army veteran honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant, he resides in Loyalsock Township with his wife, Ann S. Pepperman, Esq., and enjoys boating, coaching youth sports, and outdoor activities.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Montoursville High School; attended Bucknell University; earned degrees from Lycoming College and American University School of Law in Washington, D.C.
• Military Service: Enlisted as a Private E-1 in the U.S. Army; graduated from Artillery and Missile Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma; served an overseas tour as an artillery officer.
• Legal Career: Former law clerk to President Judge Charles F. Greevy; Lycoming County solicitor for 17 years; general counsel to Pennsylvania College of Technology for over 20 years; elected Chairman of its Board of Directors in 2013; serves as "Of Counsel" at McCormick Law Firm; member of Lycoming Law Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, and others.
• Political Experience: Elected to Pennsylvania State Senate in 2008; prior local government service as county solicitor.