In a column announcing her election as the organization's chairwoman, she wrote: "As my father and I — both lifelong Democrats — became more familiar with the work of the Commonwealth Foundation, we found not one policy proposal with which we disagreed.

[12] Coates is an alcohol industry executive who also serves on the boards of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy, Americans for Fair Treatment, and Donors Trust.

[13] Commonwealth is active in policy areas such as criminal justice reform, school choice, and the Pennsylvania state budget.

[22] The organization also supported former Democratic Governor Ed Rendell's proposal to privatize or lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.

[23] The group was nominated for the Atlas Network's Templeton Freedom Award for its work in support of pension reform in the state.