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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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“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.”

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) announced today that Lillian Gabreski has been named its Director of Transportation. She will join the organization’s leadership team, lead a department of 13 staff members, and oversee transportation initiatives on behalf of the 10-county region. 

Gabreski has an exceptional background in strategic planning and transportation, as well as securing state and federal grants. She joined the organization in 2018, and has become known by both staff members and external partners for taking innovative approaches to solving complex challenges. 

“I am excited to have Lillian officially join our leadership team,” said Rich Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. “She has been with the organization for over six years, and in that time, has demonstrated her steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life for area residents. Lillian’s leadership style, expertise in transportation, and proven experience in securing grants for our region made her a natural choice for this position. She will hit the ground running and continue with SPC’s mission of planning for the continued success of Southwestern Pennsylvania.” 

As Director of Transportation, Gabreski will direct the development of the organization’s required program documents like the region’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Both the TIP and LRTP plan for specific transportation and infrastructure projects across the 10-county region. Additionally, Gabreski will supervise all of the department’s programs including multimodal transportation planning, operations and safety, transportation demand management, a vanpool program, active transportation initiatives like trails, and many other initiatives. 

During her time at SPC, Gabreski has served in a variety of roles. More recently, she has served as the Manager of Sponsored Program Development and led the organization’s development of competitive grant funding applications for local, state, and federal discretionary programs. She played a very instrumental part in developing the application which SPC, PennDOT, and Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to secure the $142 million grant for the Eastern Pittsburgh Multimodal Corridor project. Additionally, she has guided the organization’s efforts on equity to ensure that programs adhere to the federal environmental justice requirements and Justice40 guidance. 

Gabreski earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College, and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in economic and financial policy from Cornell University. She will officially assume the role on Oct. 24. 

Media Inquiries: Caitlin O’Connor
Cell: 412-719-5366
coconnor@spcregion.org

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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.

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The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) today announced that Jennifer Liptak has been named the organization’s Deputy Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer. Liptak will assume this role on Monday, June 10. As Deputy Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Liptak will lead a team of 50 staff members and report directly to Rich Fitzgerald, the organization’s Executive Director.

“Over the last decade, a lot of the economic success and transformation that Allegheny County has experienced can be largely attributed directly to Jennifer’s strategic leadership, collaborative management style, and her ability to get things accomplished,” said Rich Fitzgerald, Executive Director. “From the success of the airport, investing in infrastructure, rehabilitating bridges, the vibrancy of the trails and parks, and making the County government’s operations more efficient, Jennifer has been instrumental in bringing these initiatives to fruition. Now, Jennifer will be able to use her outstanding qualities and experiences to support the 10 county region with its transportation, infrastructure, economic, workforce, and quality of life priorities.”

Currently, Liptak serves as the Allegheny County Manager in County Executive Sara Innamorato’s administration, a position she also held when Fitzgerald was the County Executive. Liptak stayed on with Innamorato’s administration to support them over the last six months during the transition. The Allegheny County Manager position serves as the chief administrative officer for the county, and is appointed by the County Executive. As County Manager, Jennifer has been responsible for the county’s overall operations.

Prior to her current role, Liptak’s public service career has spanned over two decades. She first began her career in county government in 1998 working in the Office of District Attorney where she later became Finance Manager. In 2004, she joined the Office of County Council as Budget Director. When Fitzgerald was elected as Allegheny County Executive he appointed Liptak as Chief of Staff, a position she held throughout his entire tenure.

Liptak is active in the community and has served on numerous organization’s boards over the years including: the Allegheny County Retirement Board, Allegheny County Professional Services Review Committee, Allegheny County Airport Authority, Riverlife’s Board of Directors, the Carnegie Science Center’s Board, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees, Port Authority Board of Allegheny County, Chatham University Women’s Institute Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics Advisory Board, the Government Financial Officers Association, and the First Night Advisory Board.

Additionally, Liptak has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a minor in Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), as well as a Professional Certification in Personnel and Labor Relations Management. She attended Duquesne University’s School of Leadership and Professional Advancement earning a Professional Certification in Advanced Accounting. Liptak is also a graduate of the F.B.I. Citizens Academy and the Harvard School of Business’ Young American Leaders Program.

Media Inquiries: Caitlin O’Connor
Cell: 412-719-5366
coconnor@spcregion.org

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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.

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“It is with great sadness that I learned about the passing of Cyril Wecht this afternoon. Cyril had a long and distinguished public service career. From serving in the U.S. Air Force to being one of Allegheny County’s Commissioners and the County’s coroner—public service and hard work ran in Cyril’s blood.

“His influence on the forensic pathology profession cannot be overstated. He became a pioneer within his field, and for nearly seven decades was sought after by government officials, celebrities, and industry leaders for his expertise.

“While Cyril achieved national fame because of the many high-profile cases he consulted on, he always called Southwestern Pennsylvania home. He was born in Greene County, grew up in the City, earned his bachelor and medical degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, and he and his wife raised their children here.

“I know I join many from across our region in saying that we want to thank Cyril for his many years of public service. He was a deeply devoted family man, and I want to extend our region’s thoughts and prayers to his wife, children, and grandchildren during this difficult time.”

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“I was deeply saddened to learn of Jerry Cohon’s passing over the weekend. Jerry served as the President of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) for 16 years and our region was transformed during this time—in large part because of his leadership and forward thinking.

“His influence on our region’s economy cannot be understated. Jerry was consistently focused on innovation, attracting talented students from across the world, and he proactively looked for ways to partner with the private and public sectors.

“Jerry knew that collaboration among our community stakeholders is our region’s greatest strength. His working partnership with former University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) President Mark Nordenberg is a perfect example. Jerry and Mark came together to spearhead entities like the Pittsburgh Digital Greenhouse, Pittsburgh Robotics Foundry, and Pittsburgh Life Sciences. With CMU’s focus on robotics and AI and Pitt’s focus on life sciences, Jerry and Mark were able to bring the most talented students and professionals from each of their respective schools to forge new ground. These bold strategies resulted in both universities securing competitive funding and leading economic development partnerships. Simply put, Jerry’s pioneering mindset helped put Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania on the global map.

“I know I join many in saying that our region is deeply grateful for Jerry’s leadership and the positive impact he made will be felt for generations to come. I want to extend my heartfelt thoughts and sympathies to his family at this difficult time.”

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“It is with great sadness that I learned about the passing of Jim Roddey this evening. Jim helped to usher in the County’s new government in 2000 and served our community in so many ways. From his philanthropic efforts to improving our economic climate, the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and all of Southwestern Pennsylvania was made a better place to work and live because of his public service.

Having been a native son of the South, he never lost his accent but he became a true black and gold Pittsburgher. From his hard work ethic to his tenacious spirit—he embodied the values of our region.

While we sometimes disagreed on political issues, for me personally, he became a mentor and sounding board when I became the County Executive. He was always available for me, and gave advice that was sound and rooted in what he believed would benefit county residents.

We all knew Jim had a wonderful sense of humor. He always had a witty joke, often times at his own expense—and had the ability to captivate an audience like few do. I am sure that he is making angels laugh this evening.

I know I join many in saying that we want to thank Jim and his family for their years of sacrifice and service to our region, and we will be ever grateful. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

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