Greene County Commissioner McClure will serve as Vice-Chair; Indiana County Commissioner Dunlap is new Secretary-Treasurer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2025

PITTSBURGH, Pa – Earlier today, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC), the federally-designated regional commission for transportation and economic development, elected Fayette County Commissioner Vince Vicites as its new Chairman for calendar years 2026 and 2027. Commissioner Betsy McClure of Greene County was elected Vice-Chair, and Commissioner Bonni Dunlap of Indiana County was elected as its Secretary-Treasurer. Vicites replaces outgoing Chairman Commissioner Pat Fabian of Armstrong County, whose term expires at the end of the year. 

As Chairman, Commissioner Vicites will lead the United States Department of Transportation (DOT)’s designated Metropolitan Planning Organization for the ten counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania and the City of Pittsburgh – responsible for oversight, planning, and programming of nearly $40 Billion in transportation funds through 2050. SPC is also the region’s Local Development District and Economic Development District, both of which facilitate access to funding and technical support related to economic and workforce development.

“I am honored to represent the region and my fellow county and city leaders as the new Chairman of SPC,” Vicites said. “SPC is the only place where all of us come together to plan for our region’s success, and I’m excited to continue the forward momentum Southwestern Pennsylvania has experienced over the past few years.”

Vicites’ priorities as Chairman include preserving and expanding the region’s transportation infrastructure, securing additional federal and state investment in the region, and ensuring the region is prepared to welcome new business, including in emerging markets like Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.

At Monday’s meeting, the Commission also named two new members to its Executive Committee: Commissioner Tony Amadio of Beaver County and Mayor-elect Corey O’Connor of the City of Pittsburgh.

Contact: DJ Ryan
412-478-1928 
DJRyan@spcregion.org

###

Notes To Editor: The official biographies for all three officers are appended below.

Commission Officer Bios

Vince Vicites, Chairman (Fayette County)

Commissioner Vince Vicites is the Chairman-elect of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. Chairman-elect Vicites will take office on January 1st, 2026. He previously served two years as the Vice-Chair and two years as Secretary-Treasurer. He is a Fayette County Commissioner and currently serves as the County’s Vice-Chair.

Born and raised in Uniontown, Vince is a graduate of Laurel Highlands High School. He graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He continued his education and earned a Master’s degree in Human Resources from St. Francis University.

Commissioner Vicites’ extensive background in county government spans nearly 30 years. As former Fayette County Recycling Coordinator, he started the Hard to Recycle Events at Fayette County Fairgrounds that have continued for over 30 years. By lobbying State and Federal Employees, Vince was instrumental in creating or retaining over 10,000 jobs during his tenure in office and helped secure $200 million in economic and infrastructure projects. He has been involved with many business and government organizations at the city, county and state level. He continues to work to make Fayette County better now and for future generations.

Commissioner Vicites is a member of St. Therese Church in Uniontown and is a member of many civic and community organizations. He resides in South Union with his wife Kelly. His son Nick, son Joey, and his wife Arial reside in Uniontown.

###

Betsy McClure, Vice-Chair (Greene County)

Commissioner Betsy McClure is the Vice-Chair-elect of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. She will assume office January 1st, 2026. Vice-Chair-elect McClure previously served two years as SPC’s Secretary-Treasurer. She has served as a Greene County Commissioner for six years and is a lifelong resident of Greene County.

A Registered Nurse by profession, Commissioner McClure has dedicated more than 25 years to the nursing field. She earned her BSN from Waynesburg University and her master’s in education from California University of Pennsylvania

Her goal as County Commissioner is straightforward: to make Greene County a better place to live for all residents. She maintains an open-door policy and firmly believes that if something is important to you, it is important to her. She strives every day to work for the people she represents.

Commissioner McClure serves on the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) Board of Directors and is the Chair of CCAP’s Human Services Committee. In addition, she is a member of the Pennsylvania Rural Population Revitalization Commission.

###

Bonni Dunlap, Secretary-Treasurer (Indiana County)

Dr. Bonni Dunlap is the Secretary-Treasurer-elect of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and will take office January 1st, 2026. A County Commissioner representing Indiana County, she brings over 35 years of experience in county government to her position at SPC.

Commissioner Dunlap has spent her entire career in service to the residents of Indiana County. She most notably served as the longtime Director of Human Services for the County, where she facilitated numerous programs to better serve some of Indiana County’s most vulnerable populations. She also served as the Director of the Indiana County Housing Authority, where she was responsible for the administration of public housing in the County and coordinated housing for hundreds of local families.

A noted expert in human services, Commissioner Dunlap holds a Ph.D and Master’s Degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has served on the faculty at IUP and Westmoreland County Community College. She also serves on several boards and organizations in her home county. As a former Indiana County Auditor, she recognizes the importance of responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. She is excited to serve as an officer of SPC and to work with her fellow county leaders and SPC staff to facilitate continued growth for the region.

###

About Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission:
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, more commonly known as SPC, is the cooperative forum for regional collaboration, planning, and public decision-making for the ten counties of Southwestern Pennsylvania including the City of Pittsburgh. SPC develops plans and programs for public investment and fulfills federal and state requirements for transportation, economic development, and local government assistance programs.

PRESS RELEASE DOWNLOAD (PDF)

By Mason Fish
SPC
12/12/2025

If you have never been to one of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission’s (SPC) public meetings, you might picture a long slideshow in a quiet room with a drawn-out lecture. However, what you will actually find is something very different.

When you walk through the door, you will usually see neighbors chatting near a table of maps, local officials asking questions about roads they drive every day, or residents comparing notes about trails, transit, traffic, or the project they have been hoping to see move forward for years.

Many attendees are curious about what is happening in their area. Others want to understand why transportation projects take time, or how decisions are made, or what big changes might be on the horizon. And almost everyone wants to know how they can help shape what comes next.

At the heart of it all? Public meetings exist to give you, the people who live, work, and travel here, a direct say in massive decisions that affect daily life. Think about it: roads don’t fix themselves, buses don’t reroute on a whim, and bridges don’t build without input.

These meetings are mandated by federal law for organizations like us to ensure transparency and community involvement in transportation planning. Without them, decisions might overlook the pothole on your street or the need for better transit in your neighborhood. Instead, they turn your ideas into priorities, helping to allocate funding toward projects that make Southwestern PA safer, smoother, and more connected.

And guess what? We just wrapped up the latest round of public meetings and comment periods for the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) earlier this month.

A Meeting Built Around You

Why does SPC hold these meetings year after year? The answer is quite simple. Transportation isn’t just about asphalt and engines… it’s about people. SPC’s events are designed to unriddle this process, turning complex plans like the TIP, Long Range Transportation Plan, and Public Participation Plan into digestible chats. As our region’s federally designated hub for planning, we team up with local, state, and federal officials to turn ideas into reality.

All of our public meetings are interactive hubs where you can explore maps, ask any question you might have (like “Why does this take so long?”), or share anything else on your mind. Public input ensures that underrepresented voices, from rural areas to urban hubs, influence where dollars go. Plus, it’s fun to see your neighbor’s eyes light up when they spot a proposed trail that could connect their backyard to the park!

Did You Know?

First-time attendees are often surprised by how approachable and effective these meetings can be.

Here’s what you should know:

• Participation has steadily been on the uptick since the virtual-only sessions during COVID, showing that community engagement is valued both online and in person.
• Every comment matters. All feedback submitted via handwritten notes or email is reviewed and compiled into official reports that are shared with PennDOT and other agencies.
• If you cannot attend a meeting, materials remain available online throughout the year, allowing for review, learning, and feedback submission at any time.
• These meetings are not isolated events. They are part of a larger framework where public input helps meet federal requirements for air quality, safety, and other priorities, turning local concerns into regional improvements.

Inside the Meeting Room

Meetings begin with a brief introduction to SPC’s role, followed by updates and overviews of key initiatives. Attendees learn about the plan being discussed, including proposed investments and timelines. Recent project completions, such as new bridges, are highlighted alongside funding sources and upcoming milestones. Meetings also provide previews of important projects, from congestion mitigation to trail expansions.

The public comments & questions period is particularly important. Safety concerns such as lighting and guardrails are frequently raised, along with issues related to transit, traffic, and trails. Attendees often remain after meetings to discuss specific concerns, such as conditions near local schools. These interactions allow opportunities for face-to-face dialogue that surveys alone cannot provide. They help ensure projects reflect the real needs of the community and create a sense of shared ownership in regional planning.

“All of the comments that come in, whether through the email inbox or hard copies, are reviewed. Each comment then becomes documented into a larger public comment report,” said SPC Public Involvement Coordinator Ronda Craig.

This means that every single public submission is read, logged, and shared with decision-makers at various agencies relevant to the plan being discussed.

Community input helps guide long-term transportation projects, promotes accountability, and ensures plans evolve with regional needs. Public participation has historically influenced project priorities, redirecting plans when needed, and reinforcing that these meetings are an essential part of our planning.

Staying Connected

Missed the recent TIP round? Jump in anytime! SPC keeps materials online, releases updates via social media and this newsletter, and flags upcoming events. Progress thrives on participation. Whether you’re a transit enthusiast, a daily driver, or just curious, these meetings remind everyone: Our region’s future isn’t set in stone, it’s shaped by all of us.

By Rich Fitzgerald
Executive Director, SPC
11/20/2025

As we open the brand-new landside terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport, it’s important to remember the years of work that got us to today. For over a decade, thousands of people across our region have worked to make this a reality. The opening of the new Pittsburgh International Airport represents so much more than just the completion of a major infrastructure project. To me, it marks the start of a new era for Southwestern Pennsylvania and a defining moment for our region’s future.

I remember when the airport faced a very different situation. After Pittsburgh lost its hub, the facility lost most of its revenue and was left with a terminal made for an airline that no longer existed. It was an airport that prioritized connecting passengers at the expense of Pittsburgh visitors and residents.

When I served as the Allegheny County Executive, I made a few key decisions that proved monumental for the airport’s success. First, the decision to lease the natural gas beneath the 8800 acres of the airport helped stabilize finances and opened the door to a new direction. Second, Hiring Christina Cassotis as CEO. Her vision was clear and straightforward from day one. I remember her specifically telling me that we were not getting the hub back. However, what she offered in return was far more valuable…A vision for a right-sized airport that would work for the community it serves.

She was the exact type of leader we had sought after, one who wasn’t looking at our past and what we used to be, but who could imagine what we were capable of with the proper plan, strategy, and execution.

Support for this project came from all levels of government over many years. Leaders across political lines recognized the value of a project that would strengthen our region for decades to come. Past and current federal, state, and local officials helped move this project from a conversation to a reality.

When I look at this beautiful new facility, I see the efforts of labor leaders, business executives and organizations, entrepreneurs and innovators, public servants and public officials. Most importantly, though, I see the work of thousands of hardworking Pittsburghers who laid the flooring and welded the support beams, who painted and ran electrical components and installed the modern baggage control system. I see Pittsburghers who are proud of this new airport and the role they’ve played in it.

Flights have expanded, destinations have grown, and most importantly, the terminal feels like it belongs to the people who use it. It feels grounded in our region’s identity and energy. Every beam and every corridor reflects not just design, but commitment.

Ultimately, the new new airport is a statement about what we can accomplish and a symbol that our residents can take pride in. Not only was it built for Pittsburghers, but it was built by Pittsburghers. It is a space where businesses can grow, where travelers experience the city at its best, and where residents can take pride in their region.

This terminal tells every company, every visitor, and every young person with a dream that Pittsburgh is designing for the future. It’s more than just a place to catch a flight. It’s a bold statement of the region’s ambition, a reflection of Pittsburgh’s dedication, and a place that will carry the community forward for decades to come.

By Mason Fish
SPC
10/29/2025

The way goods move across Southwestern Pennsylvania shapes nearly every part of daily life, from how grocery stores stay stocked to how local industries get their products to the market. Behind the scenes, freight networks connect the region’s roads, railways, airports, and waterways into one complex system that keeps the economy running. That constant, mostly unseen movement is one of the reasons our region works, and it is why updating the Regional Freight Plan matters.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) adopted its first Regional Freight Plan in 2017. At the time, the plan helped set priorities for maintaining and improving the systems that move goods across the 10-county region that the organization serves. But in the years since, the world has changed dramatically. Supply chains have been reshaped, consumer habits have shifted, shippers have adapted, and the local economy has continued to evolve from where it was a decade ago.

Therefore, SPC is now leading an update to the Regional Freight Plan, in order to make sure the region can keep goods moving efficiently and safely for years to come!

While freight can seem like a technical subject, the core idea behind the plan is simple. Freight is about how things get where they need to go. From raw materials to finished products, the freight network touches nearly every aspect of daily life.

“We like to think of our freight network as a system… a highway system supported by a rail network, supported by rivers, supported by an airport. They all have to work together,” said SPC Freight Planning Manager Sara Walfoort.

When it works well, businesses can grow, communities are supplied, and the region stays economically connected. When it struggles, everyone feels the effects. Southwestern Pennsylvania is unique when it comes to freight movement. The region’s geography, history, and industrial makeup have created a truly multi-modal network. Many places in the U.S. rely almost entirely on trucking, but in our region, the network has always been broader.

The region has:

• 18 active railroads; approximately 30 percent of the railroads in PA;
• Over 1,300 miles of rail lines within the 10 counties SPC serves;
• One of the busiest inland river ports in the country, historically ranking among the top nationally when measured by tonnage;
• A highway system that connects to major population centers and industrial corridors; and
• Air cargo capacity that supports high-value, time-sensitive products.

This diversity matters, and different modes of transportation serve different needs. Heavy commodities like coal, steel inputs, or construction aggregates can move efficiently by river barge. High-value or urgent products, such as medical components or electronics, may move by air. Trucks are essential for reaching the thousands of communities that rail and river terminals don’t directly serve. Rail is critical for long-haul shipments and energy supply. When all of these systems work together, companies have options which allows the region to maintain a competitive advantage.

However, this system only works if it is maintained, modernized, and coordinated. A closed lock on a river, for example, can shift freight onto trucks, sending thousands of additional heavy vehicles onto roadways. Congestion on a key highway can slow deliveries. Rail bottlenecks can hold up shipments across multiple states. And when one part of the network becomes strained, the whole system feels the impact.

That is where the updated Regional Freight Plan comes in. This document will take a clear look at how goods actually move through our region today, mapping out the roads, railways, river facilities, and other key connections that form the backbone of the network. It will highlight where strategic investments could improve safety and reliability, while also supporting more efficient movement of goods.

While SPC is not a freight operator and doesn’t run trains, barges, or fleets of trucks, it does play a central role in planning, investment prioritization, and coordination. The updated plan will serve as a bridge between public agencies, private industry, and the broader community, ensuring that decisions are made with a clear understanding of how the freight network works and what the region needs next.

“I want to move to a more systems-based approach, looking at roadway condition, track history, bottlenecks, and how trucks traverse roads… so we can invest freight improvement dollars wisely,” said Walfoort.

The updated plan is expected to be delivered by June 2027, with a focus on making targeted improvements across the region’s transportation network. 

The hope for this new blueprint is to help SPC prioritize investments that strengthen the network as a whole rather than addressing issues in isolation. The plan will assess things such as essential corridors and facilities to identify constraints, reduce delivery delays, improve safety, and help businesses get products to market more efficiently. Better coordination among freight modes could lower transportation costs, support economic growth, and ensure the region remains competitive.

The update also aligns closely with SPC’s Long Range plan and with the Pennsylvania 2045 Freight Movement Plan adopted at the state level. By keeping these plans synced, SPC helps ensure that regional priorities are recognized and funded at the state and national levels.

To make the updated freight plan meaningful, SPC is focusing not only on data and infrastructure, but also on communication and public understanding. Many people fail to realize how closely freight is tied to economic opportunity, community stability, and quality of life. This newsletter is one part of that effort in helping connect the dots between freight movement and daily life.

At the end of the day, it’s about supporting the future of the region’s economy, from job creation to infrastructure investment to keeping everyday goods moving where they’re needed. Freight touches everything, even if most of the work happens out of sight.

As the update progresses, SPC will share opportunities to learn more and participate. Whether you work in logistics, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, or just shop for groceries, the freight network helps ensure products reach homes, businesses, and communities across the region.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2025

I join the many regional leaders celebrating Governor Shapiro’s announcement that Eos Energy Enterprises is expanding its Southwestern Pennsylvania footprint with a $352 Million investment. We have already seen the tremendous impact Eos has had on the region with its Turtle Creek facility.. By relocating its world headquarters to Pittsburgh and opening a new manufacturing plant in Allegheny County, Eos is telling the world what locals have always known – that Southwestern Pennsylvania is a great place to live, work, and manufacture.

I want to congratulate Governor Shapiro, DCED Secretary Rick Siger, and all the state leaders who were involved in supporting this deal. Their leadership and advocacy for our region has yet again proven fruitful, and we’ll create and retain 1,000 new jobs as a result.

I also want to thank County Executive Innamorato and her Economic Development team led by Lauren Connelly – not only for their record $2M investment in Eos but for their continued advocacy for all of Allegheny County and the larger region. The County and local partners like the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and the Pittsburgh Technology Council, among others, are constantly working to sell our region to the world. They all deserve our gratitude yet again for securing this deal for our region.

Congresswoman Summer Lee has long been a champion of Eos and she and her team worked diligently to secure early support from the Department of Energy. Her advocacy helped bring us to this announcement, and I thank her for yet again following through on her promise to fight for our region.

Lastly, it almost goes without saying that we owe our gratitude to Joe Mastrangelo and the leadership at Eos for believing in Pittsburgh, and for continuing to prove that you can make stuff in America. As Eos relocates its world headquarters to the North Side, we wish our new neighbors continued success. Thank you, Joe, for believing in this region and what we can do together.

Contact: DJ Ryan
412-478-1928 
DJRyan@spcregion.org

###

About Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission:
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, more commonly known as SPC, is the cooperative forum for regional collaboration, planning, and public decision-making for the ten counties of Southwestern Pennsylvania including the City of Pittsburgh. SPC develops plans and programs for public investment and fulfills federal and state requirements for transportation, economic development, and local government assistance programs.

PRESS RELEASE DOWNLOAD (PDF)

Originally Published in Pittsburgh Magazine
By Virginia Linn
10/12/2025
View the full article.

Just about everything is in place.

There’s been a public trial to test all aspects of the new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport. There’s been a fancy gala with Hollywood A-listers to celebrate the $1.7 billion project. And on Saturday there was the official ribbon-cutting with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and other federal, state and Allegheny County dignitaries, as well as an open house that drew 10,500 visitors to see the spanking new terminal for the first time.

A second public trial is scheduled for Oct. 25 after which time, an opening day is expected to be announced. Folks who registered for the Sept. 20 public trial and weren’t selected to participate will be considered for the second round. Nearly 18,000 people initially registered to test all aspects of the new terminal to identify any glitches in the operation.

“With the opening of this new terminal, we will have a beautiful new gateway to welcome the rest of the county and the country and the world right here to Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania,” Shapiro told the crowd at the ribbon-cutting.

He said the commonwealth has invested more than $80 million in the airport growth over the years.

“The work that we are celebrating today is critical for Pittsburgh’s economic growth, and it’s also going to be critical when we join the Steelers to welcome athletes and sports fans from all over the world to the NFL draft in April [2026]. This new terminal is part of our collective effort to grow this region.”

Airport CEO Christina Cassotis, who advocated for the building of a new terminal to better fit the region’s needs after she was hired to head the Allegheny County Airport Authority 10 years ago, said the project fulfills her dreams.

“The building design was always aspirational,” Cassotis said. “It was meant and designed to work for everyone, for actual people who travel through and work in an airport, but the building itself, if you look at it now, I think is actually inspirational. Being in this space feels good, and that’s a pretty big statement for an airport to make.”

Also at the ribbon-cutting were Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, U.S. Reps. Chris Deluzio, Mike Kelly and Summer Lee; State Sen. Devlin Robinson; State Rep. Valerie Gaydos; Allegheny County Council President Pat Catena; Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission Executive Director and former Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.

U.S Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock, and Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey did not attend.

“Somebody said that this terminal will bring in more flights, more passengers, but only if we do our job,” Cassotis said, “only if we do our job as a community, because we need to make sure that we deliver on the promise, which is that the moment you step off this plane the airport is telling a story about this community.

“It’s telling a story about the city of champions, and it’s time for the rest of us to change the way we champion Pittsburgh. This gives us a reason to do it.”

“It is with a heavy heart that I join the countless voices expressing gratitude for the life and service of Leo Gerard.

Southwestern Pennsylvania was fortunate to have a national labor leader in our community. More than that, however, we were fortunate to have in Leo a good and dedicated neighbor. Leo was not born or raised here, but during his decades of service he became a true Pittsburgher. His support for this region and its economic growth was a huge factor in the successes of the past few decades. Leo had the ear of Presidents, Senators, and Governors. Whenever he spoke to our country’s leaders about the women and men of the United Steelworkers and the larger Labor community, he also made sure to put in a word for his adopted hometown.

I will always be grateful for Leo’s support of various community organizations and local causes. His service on the board of several different charities made it clear that he loved Pittsburgh and its people. His selfless devotion to working people and their families was known all throughout our community, and we could always count on the support of the USW and Leo himself whenever someone was in need.

Leo fought for his members every single day and protected the right to organize across the United States and around the world. He didn’t just lead the Labor community – he was very much a part of it. I am proud to call him a friend, but even more proud to call him a Pittsburgher. My condolences and those of the entire SPC go out to his family, friends, and loved ones, and to the members and leadership of his beloved USW.”

###

PRESS RELEASE DOWNLOAD (PDF)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2025

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is proud to announce the approval of two transformative plans on June 23, 2025, aimed at improving transportation and safety across the 10-county region.

The Active Transportation Plan (ATP) is a cutting-edge tool tailored for industry professionals, planners, and engineers. This interactive story map offers detailed data, maps, and resources to support the development of bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and other active transportation projects. The ATP aims to improve connectivity and promote healthier, more sustainable travel options, making it an invaluable resource for shaping the region’s future mobility. It is available for online viewing and usage here.

Complementing the ATP, the Regional Safety Action Plan (RSAP) addresses a critical need for safer roads across SWPA. This comprehensive document outlines strategies to reduce traffic crashes, enhance pedestrian safety, and upgrade infrastructure, impacting everyone from daily commuters to cyclists. Accompanied by a series of engaging videos, the RSAP highlights real-world safety improvements, offering a visual testament to SPC’s dedication to protecting all road users. The plan builds on recent regional safety data, aiming to address high-risk areas identified through community input and analysis. It is available for online viewing here.

SPC invites the public, industry professionals, and local leaders to explore these plans and provide feedback as implementation begins. Videos and additional resources will be shared on SPC’s social media channels in the coming days.

Media Inquiries: DJ Ryan
Cell:  412-478-1928 
DJRyan@spcregion.org

###

About Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission:
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, more commonly known as SPC, is the cooperative forum for regional collaboration, planning, and public decision-making for the ten counties of Southwestern Pennsylvania including the City of Pittsburgh. SPC develops plans and programs for public investment and fulfills federal and state requirements for transportation, economic development, and local government assistance programs.

PRESS RELEASE DOWNLOAD (PDF)

Recently SPC visited Heartland Fabrication in Fayette County to witness the vital role they play as a manufacturer in our region. This video showcases the impressive launch of a newly constructed barge into the Monongahela River. Located right here in Southwestern PA, Heartland supports the regional economy by creating jobs and driving growth in the manufacturing sector.

Designed to transport heavy cargo, the barge will facilitate the movement of goods across industries like construction and energy, enhancing supply chain efficiency in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Through efforts with manufacturers like Heartland, SPC continues to bolster the infrastructure and economic vitality of our 10-county region. Watch the launch to get a glimpse at one of only two companies in the United States that manufacture barges!

View a video of the launch HERE.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) and the Local Government Academy (LGA) are proud to announce Chris Blackwell, Director of Planning at the Municipality of Penn Hills, as the recipient of the 2025 Joseph A. James Award. The Award is given annually to an elected or appointed official in Southwestern Pennsylvania in recognition of a lifetime of exemplary governance or management.

The award is named for the late Joseph A. James, Ph.D, who was a noted scholar at the University of Pittsburgh and a lifelong advocate of intergovernmental cooperation and professionalism in local government.

SPC Executive Director Rich Fitzgerald and LGA Executive Director Joy Ruff presented the award to Blackwell at Penn Hills’ council meeting on February 17th – his final meeting after more than 30 years of service to the people of Penn Hills.

“Chris Blackwell has long been a regional example of how one dedicated public servant with a strong team can yield tangible results for residents in Southwestern Pennsylvania.” said Fitzgerald. “From skate parks to trails to thousands of permits for new construction, Chris has had a hand in every exciting development in Penn Hills for the last three decades”.

“Local Government Academy is proud to partner with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission to recognize the service of Chris Blackwell, who we have worked with over the years through our Municipal Intern Program.” Said Ruff. “As a municipal planner, Chris exemplifies the spirit of a public servant and has been committed in his efforts to mentor young professionals. We thank Chris for his service to Penn Hills, his dedication to the planning profession, and his work promoting excellence in local government.”

“Penn Hills is extremely proud that this award was given to a Penn Hills resident and staff member,” Said Scott Andrejchak, Municipal Manager for Penn Hills. “The award reflects the work Mr. Blackwell accomplished in our community and how his colleagues view his professionalism and contributions to local government in western Pennsylvania.”

Media Inquiries: DJ Ryan
Cell:  412-478-1928 
DJRyan@spcregion.org

###

About Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission:
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is the federally designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO), local development district (LDD), and economic development district (EDD) that serves 10 counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The organization’s coverage area includes Allegheny including the City of Pittsburgh, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland counties. It keeps the region connected and moving forward by helping to plan for its future. It is responsible for planning and prioritizing the use of state and federal transportation funding and establishing economic and workforce development priorities for the region.

PRESS RELEASE DOWNLOAD (PDF)