Sy Holzer, president, PNC Bank, Pittsburgh area banking operations, joined PNC more than 35 years ago as a management trainee and advanced through the company until he was named president in May 1997. His responsibilities include corporate and institutional banking, business banking, and wealth management in western Pennsylvania. He also oversees financial services relationships with all large government entities, higher education institutions, and labor unions throughout the ten-county southwestern Pennsylvania market, PNC’s largest.
Mr. Holzer is active in the community. He serves on several boards including the Board of Visitors for the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business; School of Pharmacy at the University of Pittsburgh; board of trustees of the University of Pittsburgh; Bethany Board of Trustees; Family Communications D/B/A Fred Rogers; and the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation. He also serves as vice chairman of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance and was appointed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Judiciary Advisory Council.
Mr. Holzer is a graduate of Duquesne University, where he received a bachelors of science in economics. He is a graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University and the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business Management program for executives.
Elsie Hillman has been involved for many years in Pennsylvania’s civic, political, and cultural activities and has been a driving force in local, state, and national politics. As chair of the Elsie H. Hillman Foundation, she devotes her efforts and resources to hospitals, schools, cultural organizations, public broadcasting, and organizations addressing social issues.
Mrs. Hillman served as a principal member of the Republican National Committee for more than 21 years, with a particular interest in organized labor and Pittsburgh’s many ethnic groups. Mrs. Hillman is credited with playing instrumental roles in the elections of Governors Dick Thornburgh and Tom Ridge, Senators John Heinz and Arlen Specter and former President George Herbert Walker Bush.
The generosity and dedication of Mr. and Mrs. Hillman have had tremendous impact in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania. The organizations benefiting from their involvement include University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and Hillman Cancer Center, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Symphony Society, WQED Multimedia, the Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, the Allegheny Conference, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the White House Endowment Fund, Shadyside Hospital Foundation, the Urban League of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pittsburgh.
Mrs. Hillman graduated from the Ellis School, the Ethel Walker School, studied at Westminster Choir College, and has been awarded eight honorary degrees in recognition of her outstanding contributions to society. Mr. and Mrs. Hillman have four children, Juliet Lea Simons, Audrey Hillman Fisher, Henry Lea Hillman, Jr., and William Talbott Hillman. They have nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Curtis Aiken, Sr. is the CEO of eSGS, which is the premier minority supplier marketplace and minority procurement system founded in 2000 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. Mr. Aiken is a native of Buffalo, NY and received a bachelors of arts in communications with a minor in business from the University of Pittsburgh in 1987. Mr. Aiken was a sports analyst for KBL Network and is currently a sports analyst for Fox Sports Network. He is the former director of marketing for Cameron Coca-Cola Company, where he contributed to their growth over a 12-year period. He is an avid supporter of community groups in the Pittsburgh region. Mr. Aiken currently serves on the boards of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, and the Young Executive Leadership Foundation. In the past few years he has been involved with or been on the boards of: Pittsburgh Pirates Minority Advisory Board, Dapper Dan, Boys and Girls Clubs of Western PA, United Way of Allegheny County, Manchester Bidwell Corporation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association.
Tom Balestrieri, president and CEO of The Buncher Company, has been employed with the company since 1963 where he began his career as an assistant terminal dispatcher in the Terminal and Warehousing Division in Leetsdale, PA. Mr. Balestrieri worked his way through the company holding various titles before being named President in 1990 following the passing of the Company’s founder. Presently, he chairs the board of directors of the company and also serves on the board of the Buncher Family Foundation.
In his capacity as president and CEO, Tom continues to guide The Buncher Company’s expansion and growth promoting a philosophical framework which prides itself on the company’s reputation of proven ability and integrity and in giving back to the community. While still mindful that its core business is to provide quality office and commercial space to businesses, the company has recently expanded into hotel, resort, and residential development, and continues to grow its investments in Pittsburgh and the surrounding counties.
Mr. Balestrieri joined the UPCI Council in 2004, and immediately recognized the significant work already accomplished by this group as well as the important work that remained ahead to fight this dreadful disease that has touched his family and that of many friends. Mr. Balestrieri feels UPCI provides the perfect vehicle to give something back to western Pennsylvania.
Mr. Balestrieri and his wife Ann are family oriented and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Nick Beckwith is the Chairman and CEO of Arch Street Management, LLC in Monroeville, PA. He is active in the community and is chairperson of the UPMC Board of Directors. He also sits on the boards of the University of Pittsburgh Board Trustees, Brown University - Advisory Council on Biology and Medicine, Chatham University, Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, BlackRock Closed End Funds, and is an Emeritus Trustee of Shady Side Academy. A 1967 graduate of Brown University, Mr. Beckwith is a life-long resident of Pittsburgh and he and his wife Dotty have two sons and three granddaughters.
Jim Broadhurst is chairman and chief executive officer of Eat ‘n Park Hospitality Group, Inc., a provider of diversified food services to nearly 200 facilities throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Mr. Broadhurst joined Eat ‘n Park as executive vice president and treasurer in 1973 following a seven-year career in commercial banking with PNC Bank. He was elected president of Eat ‘n Park Restaurants in 1975 and nine years later became chairman and chief executive officer. Mr. Broadhurst is actively involved in the western Pennsylvania community, chairing and serving on numerous boards and committees including Penn State University, National City Corporation, the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, National Restaurant Association, The Pittsburgh Foundation, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and the United Way of Allegheny County.
A 1965 graduate of Penn State University, Mr. Broadhurst holds a masters of business administration from the University of Pittsburgh. He was awarded the 2005 Hospitality Executive of the Year Award from Penn State’s School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management.
Mr. Broadhurst is a native of Titusville and he and his wife Suzy have three sons who all work for Eat ‘n Park Hospitality Group.
Harriet Crawford received a bachelors of science in nursing from Rutgers University, a masters of science in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh, and began her career as a maternal-newborn nurse. She has experience teaching in the nursing programs at Duquesne University, University of Pittsburgh, and Community College of Allegheny County.
After the death of Ms. Crawford’s first husband, B. Blair Crawford, from melanoma, she joined the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) council and spearheaded the effort to establish a garden for oncology patients and their families at UPMC Montefiore, the original location of UPCI. She has served on the patient care and legislative committees for UPCI.
Now retired from the nursing profession, Ms. Crawford has volunteered for the Phipps Conservatory and Garden Center, Story Hour, School Enrichment Green and Growing Program, and Global Links, acquiring donations of medical supplies to needy countries.
Ms. Crawford is currently married to Tim Cunningham, founder of Daedalus Excel, and their blended family consists of three adult children and three grandchildren.
George Fechter currently serves as a director of EHS PeriOptium. Since 2003, Mr. Fechter has managed personal portfolios as Fechter Holdings consisting of both start-up and established companies such as EHS PeriOptimum, Collaborative Fusion, Adherence Technologies, and Vulcan. Mr. Fechter served as associate vice chancellor for external relations at the University of Pittsburgh from 1999 to 2003 and served as chief executive officer for the McGowan Center for Artificial Organ Development at the University of Pittsburgh from 1998 to 1999. He has more than 20 years of experience in the construction and contracting industries and has co-founded companies providing managerial services in the United States and Canada. Mr. Fechter also serves as a director to a number of privately-held for-profit and non-profit entities.
He has been active in the community for years serving on many boards including Manchester Bidwell Corporation, Eye and Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the University of Pittsburgh Center for Autism Research, and the University of Pittsburgh Lupus Institute.
George Fechter received his bachelors of science in psychology from Valparaiso University, and his masters in administration and business from Duquesne University. He also received an honorary LL.D from Concordia College in New York.
After graduating from Duquesne University in 1952 with a degree in mathematics and physics, Joe DeNardo earned a masters degree in Meterology from the University of Chicago in 1953. He served four years active duty with the United States Air Force achieving the rank of Commander of the Weather Detachment at Greater Pittsburgh Air Force Base.
In 1956, Mr. DeNardo co-founded the firm, DeNardo and McFarland Weather Services, Inc., with offices located at the Allegheny County Airport. Eventually, he sold his interest to become a full-time meteorologist for WTAE Channel 4 and Radio and is currently WTAE Channel 4’s Weather consultant. Mr. DeNardo also spent ten years with KDKA-Radio, reporting weather conditions.
Mr. DeNardo has been honored by numerous meterological societies for his outstanding achievements. He received the Vectors Pittsburgh Man of the Year Award for community service and numerous other awards for his ongoing commitment to organizations throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio. He was also honored by the National Television Academy with a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award. He holds memberships and certifications from several nationally recognized organizations.
In addition to his many professional achievements, Mr. DeNardo is known for his generosity to the community. He is a member of the Air Pollution Control Association and the Alpha Phi Delta fraternity. He was chairman of the Moon Township Parks and Recreation Board for 22 years and is an active member of the Board of Directors at his alma mater, Duquesne University.
Mr. DeNardo is the Chairman of Project Bundle-Up, a joint effort of WTAE Channel 4 and the Salvation Army providing winter clothing for needy children. Project Bundle-Up has raised $8.3 million since 1986 and has helped over 167,000 people.
Mr. DeNardo and his wife Dolores live in Moon Township and are the parents of two sons, Jeffrey Joseph and Joshua, and one granddaughter, Kelsey.
John P. Friel has been president and CEO of MEDRAD, Inc. since 1998. He has been a leading architect and prime mover of MEDRAD worldwide strategies for two decades, with particular emphasis on sales and marketing, international expansion, and research and development.
Prior to being named CEO he was senior vice president and general manager from 1995 to 1998; executive vice president, sales and marketing from 1989 to 1995; and treasurer and vice president, business development from 1986 to 1988. Prior to 1986 he held various financial management positions with MEDRAD and MEDRAD/Intec Holdings, Inc.
Prior to joining MEDRAD, Mr. Friel was an independent consultant for the International Trade Commission and the American International Group, and senior accountant with Deloitte Touche.
Mr. Friel serves on the board of directors of the United Way of Allegheny County, the Pittsburgh Technology Council, the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative, the Pittsburgh Regional Healthcare Initiative, the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, the American Productivity & Quality Center, and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Board of Overseers.
Following a solid career as an IndyCar driver, Pittsburgh native Chip Ganassi created his own one-car IndyCar™ team in 1990 and established a partnership with a new sponsor Target. Today, his teams include two IRL IndyCars, three cars in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and two entries in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Overall, there are at least 10 cars covering no less than five different series.
Mr. Ganassi’s interests do not lie solely in auto racing. He has expanded his horizons to include several other sporting and business pursuits. The 1982 Duquesne University graduate was formerly part owner of his hometown Pittsburgh Pirates and is currently vice president of the FRG Group, a Pittsburgh holding company with interests in telecommunications and manufacturing. A member of the UPCI Council since 2000, Ganassi is also on the board of the Pittsburgh Emergency Medicine Foundation and supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Target House, to which his team has donated more than a half million dollars over the years.
Thomas Grealish is president of Henderson Brothers Inc., one of the leading independent insurance agencies in the tri-state area. As president, Mr. Grealish manages the firm’s business activities and day-to-day operations, leads the company’s management committee, and is responsible for the execution of the company’s strategic plan. His areas of expertise are business development, workers compensation, terrorism insurance, and employment practices issues. Mr. Grealish holds a bachelors of science in business finance from Duquesne University and insurance industry certification.
He is involved in many of Pittsburgh’s civic associations including serving as president and executive director of the Mario Lemieux Foundation and chairman; Mario Lemieux Celebrity Invitational; and board of directors, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
Bob Hannan was the president and CEO of Thrift Drug from 1987 to 1997 before assuming the vice chairman position at Eckerd Drug. He also served two one-year terms as the president and CEO of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. Mr. Hannan is the recipient of many chain drug industry recognitions including life-time achievement awards from both the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and Chain Drug Review and Hall of Honors award from Drug Store News.
During his 31-year career at Thrift Drug, he served many local non-profits including Board positions on WQED, United Way of Allegheny County, Western Pennsylvania Olympic Committee, Katz Graduate School of Business, as well as the National Children’s Miracle Network Board. Mr. Hannan has been a UPCI Council member since its inception and chaired the annual UPCI Awards Dinner for several years.
Mr. Hannan was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and received Outstanding Alumnus, Presidential Achievement awards and Athletic Hall of Fame Induction from his alma mater, Slippery Rock University.
Mr. Hannan is married to Barbara and has two daughters, Karen and Kristi, both graduates of the Katz Graduate School of Business master of business administration Program.
Roy W. Haley serves as chairman and chief executive officer of WESCO International, Inc., the largest electrical distributor in the U.S., with more than $5.3 billion in annual sales (2006), more than 390 full-service branches, and 7,000 employees. WESCO was added to the Fortune 500 in April of 1999, and in May 1999 became a publicly traded company on the NYSE (WCC). WESCO is included in the Russell 1000 index for the largest public companies.
Mr. Haley is a member of the board of directors of United Stationers Corporation (NASDAQ), Cambrex Corporation (NYSE), and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. Mr. Haley has been a board member or held leadership roles in the United Way of Allegheny County, Civic Light Opera, Juvenile Diabetes Association, WQED Multimedia, and Boy Scouts of America.
A native of Baton Rouge, LA, Mr. Haley received a bachelor of science in industrial management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1969. He and his wife, Dee, have three children.
I.N. Rendall Harper is founder of American Micrographics Company, Inc. (AMC), a technology company with the objective of providing technology for the efficient storage and quick retrieval of business records. AMC converts corporate records to microfilm and developed a proven system for total management of corporate records called Microform Alternative Storage System (MASS-IV).
AMC expanded its serves with the introduction of online transmitted Digital Image Systems (OTDIS) by digitizing microfilm and producing compact disks containing digital images broadening the scope of solutions offered to its clients by making their data available over the Internet.
Mr. Harper holds a bachelors of science in liberal arts from Duquesne University with a strong focus in photography.
Mr. Harper was chairman of the Sport and Exhibition Authority during the period of construction of PNC Park, Heinz Field, and the new David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The combined budgets for these three projects totaled more than $1.5 Billion.
Mr. Harper was married to Ms. Elizabeth Johnson and they have two children, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.
Mark Hart is the director of business and CFO of Pittsburgh Steelers Sports, Inc., the parent company of the Pittsburgh Steelers Football Club. As a director, Mr. Hart manages the business and administrative operations of the company, with accountability for a $250 million operating budget, capital budget, company investments, and other corporate operations. He is responsible for maintaining the financial condition of the football team by reporting overall team compensation and team operating budgets.
Along with Arthur J. Rooney, II, Mr. Hart also oversees the business operations of Heinz Field, and the surrounding development. Currently, he is the treasurer and secretary of PSSI Stadium Corp., a Steelers subsidiary that was responsible for building, financing, and managing Heinz Field. He was also part of the “Plan B” negotiating team that finalized the Steelers’ contribution and stadium lease.
Over the past several years, Mr. Hart has worked with the City of Pittsburgh, the Sports & Exhibition Authority, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to continue the master plan for the North Shore. Currently, his efforts are directed at developing a year-round entertainment venue near Heinz Field, and pursuing additional development between the sports facilities. Most recently, he is working to evaluate the impact of the Majestic Star Casino on the North Shore.
Mr. Hart was born and raised in Pittsburgh, and he graduated from Carnegie Mellon in 1988, where he earned a degree in industrial management. He lives in Mt. Lebanon with his wife and four children.
William H. Isler is president of Family Communications, Inc. and executive director of The Fred M. Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media at Saint Vincent College. Prior to joining Family Communications, Inc. in March of 1984, he was with the Pennsylvania Department of Education beginning in 1976 where he was the executive assistant to the secretary of education, commissioner of basic education, and senior program advisor for early childhood education.
Mr. Isler is currently president of the board of the Pittsburgh Public Schools and also serves on the boards of Saint Vincent College, the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Pittsburgh, and The Grable Foundation. He also serves on the executive committee of the Council of Great City Schools and is a member of board of the National League of Cities Institute for Youth, Education, and Families.
Mr. Isler has been an elementary school teacher, daycare teacher, and administrator of a multi service program for children. He completed his undergraduate studies at Saint Vincent College and graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh. He is married and the father of an adult son.
Bill Kassling is chairman of Wabtec Corporation, a leading manufacturer of a broad range of products for locomotives, freight cars, and passenger transit vehicles. The company also builds new locomotives up to 4,000 horsepower and provides aftermarket services.
Mr. Kassling has had a distinguished career that includes positions of senior management at American Standard, Clark Equipment Company, Boston Consulting Group, Parker Hannifin Corporation, and as an Officer in the United States Navy. Mr. Kassling holds a master of business administration from the University of Chicago and a bachelors of science degree in industrial management from Purdue University.
He is a board member of Parker Hannifin Corporation, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and SmartOps Corporation. Mr. Kassling is also a trustee of the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania.
Sally Levin graduated from Smith College as a history major, but chose to enter retailing at Levin Furniture with her husband Leonard Levin until her retirement. Mrs. Levin has been greatly affected by cancer having lost her bother, mother, father, and husband to cancer. Mrs. Levin uses skills she acquired in forty years of business to serve on the UPCI Council. She views this as a way of paying back for her own survival from cancer, as well as the desire that others might survive as well.
Ms. Levin serves on the board of Jewish Residential Services and is active in the development of the Howard Levin Clubhouse, a member oriented, non-sectarian day center which provides services and a caring environment for those members who have had severe psychiatric problems and now are able to seek a meaningful life. She is also a Circles member of both the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and City Theater.
Jeffrey Lipton is president and CEO of NOVA Chemicals a producer of plastics and chemicals. Mr. Lipton joined NOVA Corporation in February 1994 as senior vice president and chief financial officer. He was appointed president of NOVA Corporation and became a director of the company in April 1996. He was named president and CEO of NOVA Chemicals in July 1998.
A dedicated industry advocate, Mr. Lipton was a long-serving director of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), as well as the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI) – America Section. He served as Chairman of both the ACC Board and the SCI America Board in 2006. He is also a director of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives.
Mr. Lipton serves as Chairman of the Board of Trimeris, Inc. and he is a director of U.S. Steel and Hercules Incorporated.
Born in New York City, Mr. Lipton graduated from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a bachelors in chemical engineering and obtained a master of business administration from Harvard University.
Mr. Lipton and his wife, Shelley, reside in Sewickley and have five children.
Kevin McClatchy is a Limited Partner and a member of the Board of Directors of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He also serves on Major League Baseball’s International Committee.
Leading the ownership group that purchased the franchise in 1996, Mr. McClatchy will be long remembered for building the best ballpark in America, PNC Park. Mr. McClatchy’s ongoing commitment to the Pittsburgh region was seen through his work in bringing the Major League Baseball All-Star Game to Pittsburgh in 2006. He was instrumental in bringing the game and its positive community impact back to the region only 12 seasons removed from the last All-Star Game in Pittsburgh.
Mr. McClatchy is dedicated to supporting the Pittsburgh region. Working with Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting, he spearheaded the launch of the Pirates newly defined charitable arm, Pirates Charities. This organization is dedicated to making a deeper, positive impact throughout the Pittsburgh region, with a special emphasis on supporting youth health, fitness, and education. Mr. McClatchy has received numerous awards for his leadership and contribution to the Pittsburgh community.
Mr. McClatchy was born in Sacramento, CA and has been a full-time resident of Pittsburgh since 1996. He received a bachelors of political science from the University of California at Santa Barbara and is a member of the Board of Trustees. He serves on several boards including Roberto Clemente Sports City in Puerto Rico, McClatchy Newspapers, and the Extra Mile Foundation.
Leslie Merrill McCombs is the senior consultant for Government Relations at UPMC. In her role, she provides strategic direction and positioning counsel in all aspects of government and public relations, as well as media. She’s also the host of UPMC Minute, and hosts the regional tourism show, Discover Pittsburgh 250, sponsored by UPMC Health Plan. She brings more than 18 years of television and news experience to her role. Before coming to UPMC, Leslie was the court reporter on Telepictures’ nationally syndicated court show, Judge Mathis, and was a news anchor in several television markets, including Pittsburgh’s FOX 53 News.
Martin G. McGuinn retired in February of 2006 as chairman and chief executive officer of Mellon Financial Corporation, a global financial services company headquartered in Pittsburgh. Mellon is one of the world’s leading providers of financial services for institutions, corporations, and high net worth individuals, providing asset management, private wealth management, asset servicing and payment solutions, and investor services. Mr. McGuinn held a number of positions during his 25 years at Mellon, including more than seven years as chairman and chief executive officer.
A Philadelphia native, Mr. McGuinn received a bachelors degree and a juris doctor degree from Villanova University. He served three years as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, including a tour in Vietnam.
Mr. McGuinn is also very active with a number of industry and community organizations. In 2004 he concluded a one-year term as chairman of the Financial Services Roundtable (an association of one hundred largest U. S. financial institutions). He served as the 2005 president of the Federal Reserve Board’s Advisory Council and also serves on several nonprofit boards, including the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and UPMC.
Katie McSorley is executive vice president of Euro RSCG Magnet, a public relations firm that challenges conventional public relations tactics, bringing new ideas and media-neutral solutions to clients.
In 25 years of marketing public relations business, Ms. McSorley has become a champion of applying a strategic brand integration process to the development of public relations programming. She has worked with such companies as Nestle, Stouffer’s, Jenny Craig, Heinz, GNC, Bayer, Transitions Optical, PPG Industries, Johnson & Johnson, PerkinElmer, Kaldewei, Alcoa, and Oncology Nursing Society.
A graduate of Manhattanville College with a bachelors of science in English, Ms. McSorley offers her communication and business skills to the community through board involvement in the Parental Stress Center, Arthritis Foundation, American Heart Association, and the Pittsburgh Athletic Association. Ms. McSorley is also active in her chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, having served as president and board officer. She has received the Public Relations Executive of the Year Award from the Business Marketing Association.
Eugene O’Sullivan is Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Elliott Company, a global manufacturer of large compressors and steam turbines, located in Jeannette, PA. He is a lifelong member of the Pittsburgh business community, beginning as a certified public accountant with Schneider Downs & Company. He was also Chief Financial Officer of Joy Manufacturing Co. and the Conair Group, Inc. before joining Elliott in 2004.
He is a prior member of the Board of Financial Executives International (Pittsburgh), the Foundation for Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Chair of the FIUP Investment Committee. Mr. O’Sullivan resides in Squirrel Hill with his wife Sandy.
Arnold Palmer is a world famous golfer and sportsman, business executive, spokesman, aviator, golf course designer and consultant, devoted family patriarch, and one of the most popular and accessible public figures in history. His popularity and success grew with the tremendous golf boom in the latter half of the 20th century.
Mr. Palmer has been the recipient of countless honors— the symbolic plaques, trophies and citations scattered throughout his personal, club, and business worlds— the epitome coming in 2004 when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George W. Bush at a White House ceremony. He has received virtually every national award in golf.
Mr. Palmer was married to Winifred Walzer until 1999. Mr. Palmer and his current wife, Kathleen (Kit) Gawthrop, were married in 2005. He underwent successful prostate cancer surgery in 1997 and has become a strong advocate of programs supporting cancer research and early detection.
The Honorable John Peterson was elected to Pennsylvania’s Fifth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996 after serving in the Senate of Pennsylvania from 1984 to 1996, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1977, and the local borough council for eight years prior to that.
While in the Senate, Congressman Peterson chaired both the Public Health and Welfare committee and the Republican Policy committee and authored the Welfare Reform, Living Will, and AIDS Confidentiality legislation. He also created five Higher Education Councils in his district which enable students from rural areas to earn university degrees right in their own community.
As a freshman member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and a member of the Education and Workforce committee, Congressman Peterson served on conference committees that made higher education more accessible to all Americans and improved the delivery system for technical education. Congressman Peterson was appointed to the House Appropriations committee in 1998, where he is currently a member of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, the subcommittee on the Interior and Environment, as well as the subcommittee on Homeland Security.
Congressman Peterson joined the U.S. Army where he served both active and reserve duty from 1957 through 1963. Following his honorable discharge as a Specialist Second Class, Congressman Peterson owned and operated a retail food market in his hometown of Pleasantville for 26 years.
Congressman Peterson has been married to his wife, Saundra, for more than 30 years. They have a son and two granddaughters.
The Honorable John Pippy was first elected to the Pennsylvania Senate in March, 2003, representing the 37th Senatorial District. Re-elected in November, 2004, Senator Pippy serves as chairman of the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee and vice chairman of the Senate Law and Justice committee. He also serves as a member of the Senate Appropriations committee, as well as the Game and Fisheries, Banking and Insurance, and Transportation committees. Senator Pippy was previously elected to four terms in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 44th Legislative District in Allegheny County.
A major in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Senator Pippy served with the Army Reserve on active duty in Iraq and Kuwait as Commander of the 332nd Engineer Company.
Born in Ubon, Thailand, Senator Pippy received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. He graduated with a bachelor of science in environmental engineering and served on active duty, assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. Prior to entering the General Assembly, Senator Pippy worked at the U.S. Steel Clairton Works.
Senator Pippy is a member of the advisory board for Penn State-Beaver, is a board fellow for the University of Pittsburgh’s Institute of Politics, and serves on the boards of Leadership Pittsburgh, the Senator John Heinz History Center, the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and The Botanic Gardens of Western Pennsylvania.
Senator Pippy, his wife Katherine and their two children, live in Moon Township.
Cynthia (Cindi) Roth is an associate vice chancellor in Institutional Advancement (IA) at the University of Pittsburgh. Her responsibilities include acting as the chief operating officer and leading strategic planning activities, and quality improvement projects throughout the business unit. Additionally, Ms. Roth leads a team which plans and implements organization and professional development initiatives within the IA team. She is also responsible for a small portfolio of major gift prospects for the University’s Capital Campaign.
Prior to her arrival at Pitt, Ms. Roth was the executive director of Family House, Inc., and spent many years as an administrator at various regional hospital systems. Ms. Roth’s background includes a unique blend of management, finance, business planning and program development, and fundraising.
Ms. Roth obtained her bachelors of science in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh and a masters degree in public policy and management from the Heinz School at Carnegie Mellon University.
A former Pitt Trustee and former president of the Pitt Alumni Association, Cindi remains quite active in the volunteer community. She is a member of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh; member of the board of trustees (immediate past president) for the western Pennsylvania and West Virginia Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America; and is a board member of UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside Hospitals and UPMC Senior Communities, Inc. She is an ordained Elder at Mt. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church and a member of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education.
Susan Santa-Cruz provides a full range of services in public relations events management and advertising through her company, Santa-Cruz Communications LLC. Her company handles a wide array of assignments including original concept design, advertising, public relations, promotional activities and executions for many major events, such as the opening of the Pittsburgh International Airport, the Pressley Ridge Ice Cream Sundae, the Pittsburgh Wine Festival, and the opening of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. She has served a wide range of clients including a Big Four accounting firm, a major Pittsburgh newspaper, an international law firm, financial services organizations, educational institutions, health care facilities, a professional society, retail stores, and consultants.
She is active in the community and serves on numerous community boards including the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Winchester Thurston School, the Pittsburgh Cancer Council, the Health Research and Services Foundation, and Planned Parenthood. She is currently a director of MedRespond LLC, a company licensing CMU-developed technology. She is a graduate of Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Daniel Shapira of Marcus & Shapira LLP, serves as the principal outside corporate counsel to one of the nation’s largest private companies. He is frequently retained by companies to consult on complex commercial transactions and confidential internal investigations. He has litigated numerous complex commercial matters, including antitrust, securities fraud, insurance, and labor matters. Mr. Shapira served as a Deputy Attorney General and head of the Pennsylvania Crime Commission from 1972 to 1974. Subsequently, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania from 1974 to 1979 and was appointed the Chief of the White Collar Crime Division. During his tenure in the United States Attorney’s Office, he was recipient of the Department of Justice Outstanding Performance and Special Achievement Awards and received commendations from the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a result of his successful prosecution of several sensitive, high-profile corruption cases.
Bob Slagle retired from Alcoa Inc. in 2002 as executive vice president and member of Alcoa’s Executive Council, the senior leadership group that provides strategic direction for the company.
During his thirty-seven year career at Alcoa he served as chief executive officer of companies in Brazil and Australia that were among the most significant industrial organizations in those countries and large players in the global aluminum business. Between 1981 and 1986 Mr. Slagle served as Alcoa’s treasurer during a particularly difficult time for the worldwide aluminum industry. In his final position, he was the senior executive responsible for the corporate human resource organization and corporate communications.
Mr. Slagle has served on the boards of educational, charitable, civic and business organizations in the United States, Australia, and Brazil. In retirement, he serves on several boards, both nonprofit and for profit, and does occasional consulting work.
He received a bachelors of science degree in metallurgical engineering and a masters of business administration in finance and economics, both from Cornell University, with honors. Bob has been married to Sharon Ann Lore since 1964 and they have two children and four grandchildren.
After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelors of science and a masters of education, Ms. Snyder taught high school biology and science classes for Pittsburgh Public Schools. She earned her masters of business administration from the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business and began her marketing career at Thermal Industries, a local window company. Sandy then started her own business, Unique Marketing Services, specializing in professional marketing services.
In 1982, Sandy and Edgar Snyder decided to market the law offices of Edgar Snyder & Associates establishing the firm as one of the most recognizable in Pennsylvania. In 2007, in honor of her work for the law firm, Sandy received an Outstanding Achievement in Media Award by the Media Association of Pittsburgh.
In addition to a marketing career spanning over three decades, Sandy is passionate about giving back to the community. She is a sponsor of the Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Website, is committed to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation activities, and volunteers extensively for the Jewish community. The Snyders also support programs that provide relief efforts for Jews in Ethiopia and the former Soviet Union. They support similar programs in Allegheny County’s Jewish community. The Snyders have also spearheaded campaigns to battle drinking and driving and under-aged drinking.
Sandy and Edgar Snyder have three children and three grandchildren.
Lorene K. Steffes is currently an independent business advisor and board director with extensive experience in high-tech industries. From July 1999 to October 2003, Ms. Steffes was an executive at IBM Corporation where she provided industry leadership as Vice President and General Manager, Global Electronics Industry; was based in Tokyo as Vice President, Asia Pacific marketing and sales of solutions for the Telecommunications, Media & Entertainment and Energy & Utilities industries; and, prior to her assignment in Asia Pacific, served as Vice President of software group services for IBM’s middleware products.
Prior to this appointment, Ms. Steffes was president and chief executive officer of Transarc Corporation, Inc. and has held leadership positions in the telecommunications industry spanning 15 years with companies such as Ameritech Corporation, AT&T Bell Laboratories, and AT&T Network Systems.
Ms. Steffes is a director on the board of PNC Financial Services Corporation and PNC Bank, NA, where she serves on the risk committee, and a director on the board of RadiSys Corporation, Inc. where she serves on the nominating and governance committee and the personnel and compensation committee. Ms. Steffes is a member of the Northern Illinois University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences advisory board, the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), and was formerly a trustee on the Carlow College Board in Pittsburgh. She holds a bachelor’s in mathematics and master’s of science in computer science from Northern Illinois University.
Tom VanKirk is president and chief executive officer of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PCI, one of the largest law firms in the United States, with 16 offices and more than 550 attorneys. Prior to his current role, Mr. VanKirk was chief operating officer from 1985 to 2003. Mr. VanKirk’s legal practice focuses on corporate takeovers, as well as domestic and foreign antitrust matters, including international licensing and joint technology agreements. He also provides government relations services to the firm’s clients.
Mr. VanKirk serves on many civic and charitable committees and boards including chair of Pennsylvanians for Effective Government, the Allegheny Conference Catalyst Connection and the Doyle Center for Manufacturing Technology, co-chair of the capital fundraising campaign for the building of the Western Pennsylvania African American Cultural Center, and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s design committee.
The Honorable Jack Wagner was sworn in as Pennsylvania’s 50th auditor general in January 2005 bringing three decades of public service to this role. Prior to being elected auditor general, Mr. Wagner served in the state senate from 1994 to 2005. He was also a 10-year member of the Pittsburgh City Council, representing the Beechview neighborhood, and served as Pittsburgh City Council president from 1990 to 1993.
A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Wagner received the Purple Heart and other military commendations while serving in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968. Following his military service, Wagner graduated from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1974 with a degree in safety management.
Mr. Wagner is a current or former member of several boards in the Pittsburgh area including the Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program, and Sharing and Caring Inc. He also is active with the German American National Congress, Italian Sons and Daughters of America, Knights of Equity, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Lions Club, Elks Club, and Moose Club. Mr. Wagner also belongs to the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Vietnam Veterans Institute, and Veterans Political Action Committee. He received the Veteran of the Year award from the Vietnam Veterans Leadership Program and the Outstanding Legislators Award from the Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Mr. Wager resides in his hometown of Beechview, where he lives with his wife Nancy and children Luke and Sara.
