Prior to his appointment as secretary, Quigley worked for DCNR in several capacities, including overseeing strategic initiatives and operations, and as chief of staff.

[1][2] Quigley previously worked in the nonprofit, public, and private sectors, including founding a downtown revitalization non-profit organization, eight years as the mayor of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, instructor in economics at Pennsylvania State University, newspaper columnist, government relations manager with Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future, management positions with manufacturing companies, and four years operating a small business.

He led a collaboration with the wind industry, state agencies and stakeholders to design a set of siting standards that are considered national models.

[4][5] Quigley indicated that he aimed to develop a proactive plan to meet the agency’s mission of protecting Pennsylvania's air, land and water from pollution and of providing for the health and safety of its citizens through a cleaner environment, and to achieve Governor Wolf's expectation that Pennsylvania's natural resources should help the commonwealth become an energy leader, including in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as a magnet for investment and job creation.

He launched a collaborative effort with all of the stakeholders involved in the pipeline infrastructure build-out process to facilitate efficient, responsible development that addresses environmental, public health, and local concerns.