HARRISBURG (June 2, 2016) - More than 80 appointees from across the state have taken leadership roles as 2016-17 chairs of Pennsylvania Bar Association's committees and sections. Many of the association's policies and positions prompting development of state laws and actions viewed as beneficial to the legal system, the courts and the public result from actions initiated by the leaders and members of these groups. Here is the list of 2016-17 committee and section chairs:
Allegheny County
Daniel K. Bricmont, Caroselli Beachler McTiernan & Coleman LLC, Pittsburgh, was named chair of the PBA Workers' Compensation Law Section, which supports the exchange of information related to legal developments in workers' compensation law. The section also acts as a liaison with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers' Compensation to ensure that the interests of claimants, employers and the legal community are protected fairly in the regulatory, legislative and administrative processes.
Judge Eleanor L. Bush, Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, was renamed chair of the PBA Children's Rights Committee, which studies questions and problems that affect children and monitors and makes recommendations concerning legislation relating to their interests. The committee informs lawyers on matters concerning children and develops programs for the legal profession to promote more effective advocacy on behalf of children in trial and appellate courts.
Mary Kate Coleman, Riley, Hewitt, Witte & Romano PC, Pittsburgh, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Commission on Women in the Profession Committee, which looks at the status of women in the legal profession and recommends solutions to problems that prevent women from full participation in the work, responsibilities and rewards of the legal profession.
Judge D. Michael Fisher, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, Pittsburgh, was renamed chair of the PBA Federal Practice Committee. The committee promotes communication between lawyers practicing in federal courts and members of the federal judiciary and enhances professional capabilities of lawyers practicing in the U.S. District Courts in Pennsylvania. The committee also makes recommendations about federal legislation and proposed changes to bankruptcy, civil and criminal procedures and federal district court rules.
Ronald W. Frank, Reed Smith LLP, Pittsburgh, was renamed chair of the PBA International and Comparative Law Section, which focuses its efforts on monitoring treaties, immigration matters and events related to the World Court. Members of this section typically work in multi-national corporations or are exposed to legal systems in foreign countries.
Bridget M. Gillespie, Picadio Sneath Miller & Norton PC, Pittsburgh, was named chair of the PBA Civil Litigation Section, which focuses on issues that directly affect civil litigation cases in Pennsylvania courts.
Barbara E. Griffin, Allegheny County Bar Foundation, Pittsburgh, was named co-chair of the PBA Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, which provides educational programming and coordinates statewide efforts on legal matters affecting active, reserve and National Guard military service members, retirees and veterans and their families.
Jacqueline B. Martinez, JBM Legal LLC, Pittsburgh, was named chair of the PBA Membership Development Committee, which develops and implements programs to increase the association's membership base and to retain current members. She alsowas renamed co-chair of the PBA Immigration Law Committee, which addresses issues in the area of immigration law, monitors and makes recommendations concerning legislation in this area, and promotes understanding of immigration related laws, regulations and court decisions.
Jennifer L. Rawson, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott LLC, Pittsburgh, was named chair of the PBA Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section, which concentrates on landlord-tenant relations, eminent domain, probate matters, estates and guardianships.
Jay N. Silberblatt, Silberblatt Mermelstein PC, Pittsburgh, was renamed chair of the PBA Professional Liability Committee, which focuses on issues concerning lawyers' liability case law.
Devin Arlie Winklosky, Jones Day, Pittsburgh, was named chair of the PBA Aeronautical and Space Law Section, which focuses on aviation law issues.
Berks County
Kim L. Lengert, Lengert Law LLC, Robesonia,was renamed chair of the PBA Solo and Small Firm Practice Section, which enhances the skills of lawyers in solo and small firm practice by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information essential to improvement of the lawyers' quality of legal services.
Heidi B. Masano, Masano Bradley LLP, Wyomissing, was renamedchair of the PBA Judicial Independence Committee, which protects the integrity of the court system and promotes the fair administration of justice. It also works to respond to unjust attacks against the judiciary.
Cambria County
Christopher G. Gvozdich, Gvozdich Law Offices, Ebensburg,was named chair of the PBA Quality of Life/Balance Committee, which is charged with developing programs to help lawyers find balance between their personal and professional lives.
Chester County
Mark R. Ashton, Fox Rothschild LLP, Exton, was named chair of the PBA Family Law Section. The section develops and works with laws relating to marriage, divorce, nonsupport and domestic relations, adoption and juvenile delinquency. This appointment is effective July 17.
John C. Cameron, Malvern, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Health Care Law Committee, which monitors legislation and litigation that affect the health care system.
Stacey L. Fuller, Gawthorp Greenwood PC, West Chester, was renamed chair of the PBA Municipal Law Section, which deals with the development and practical working of the law, both substantive and procedural, relating to municipal subdivisions of states, with particular reference to those of the commonwealth.
James C. Sargent Jr., Lamb McErlane PC, West Chester, was renamed chair of the PBA Amicus Curiae Brief Committee, which identifies legal issues that have relevance to the bar and that are appropriate subjects for amicus curiae briefs.
Cumberland County
David A. Fitzsimons, Martson Law Offices, Carlisle, was named co-chair of the PBA Legal Ethics & Professional Responsibility Committee, which responds to inquiries from lawyers on the impact of the provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Magisterial District Judge Kathryn H. Silcox, Mechanicsburg, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee. The committee investigates complaints against any individuals who are not authorized to practice and are alleged to be performing acts or services constituting the practice of law.
Dauphin County
Rodney R. Akers, Governor's Office of General Counsel, Harrisburg, was named co-chair of the PBA In-House Counsel Committee, which works on matters of concern to lawyers employed as in-house corporate counsel.
Madelaine N. Baturin, Baturin & Baturin, Harrisburg,was renamed chair of the PBA Legal Services to Persons with Disabilities Committee, which works to institute statewide programs to educate the public and legal community about the legal rights of the disabled.
Lisa M. Benzie, Navitsky Olson & Wisneski LLP, Harrisburg, renamed co-chair of the PBA Bar Leadership Institute, which strengthens efforts to recruit and develop future leaders of the association. She also was renamed co-chair of the PABAR-PAC. The committee raises funds and contributes to the campaigns of incumbent legislators and legislative candidates supporting legislation and related issues of interest to lawyers and the PBA.
Eric L. Brossman, Saul Ewing LLP, Harrisburg, was named chair of the PBA Business Law Section, which works to develop and study laws dealing with banking, business and nonprofit corporations, partnerships and associations. The section also focuses on business regulation law and on legal transactions of the mercantile and commercial fields, including bankruptcy, insolvency and receiverships.
John W. Carroll, Pepper Hamilton LLP, Harrisburg, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Shale Energy Law Committee, which communicates with fellow PBA members about shale energy legislation and regulations and facilitates education about shale energy for lawyers and the public.
James P. DeAngelo, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC, Harrisburg, was named chair of the PBA Large Law Firm Committee, which studies and makes recommendations regarding membership development and retention of attorneys in large firms in Pennsylvania. The committee also develops programs and services to enhance the value of PBA membership.
Vincent C. DeLiberato Jr., Legislative Reference Bureau of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, was renamed chair of the PBA Statutory Law Committee, which assists any state government and PBA entity in the drafting of legislation.
Leo L. Dunn, Dunn Law, Harrisburg, was named chair of the PBA Corrections System Committee, which studies the current corrections system in Pennsylvania and makes recommendations for its improvement.
Richard H. Friedman, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC, Harrisburg, was renamed chair of the Environmental and Energy Law Section,which focus on issues of the law relating to the environment, ecology and mineral and natural resources, including air, water and land.
Lucinda C. Glinn, Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, was named chair of the PBA Administrative Law Section. The section observes and makes recommendations on the effectiveness of government-issued regulations.
Anna P. Hemingway, Widener University School of Law, Harrisburg, was renamed chair of the PBA Plain English Committee, which works to improve the general public's access to the law by removing the barriers of “legalese.”
Shelby A. Linton Keddie, Duquesne Light Company, Harrisburg, was named chair of the PBA Public Utility Law Section, which is charged with developing and studying questions related to public utility law in the commonwealth and the United States.
Jonathan D. Koltash, Office of Attorney General, Harrisburg, was renamed chair of the PBA Government Lawyers Committee, which deals with matters of interest and concern to government-employed lawyers and provides them with specialized services and programs.
Lora Ann Kulick, Office of Chief Counsel, Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, Harrisburg, was named chair of the PBA Tax Law Section, which specializes in state and local tax issues. The section works with state officials on proposed legislation affecting tax laws, plans educational programs and deals with practice development issues.
Stephanie F. Latimore, Legislative Reference Bureau of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, was named co-chair of the PBA Editorial Committee, which oversees the publications of the association.
Kendra Ann Mohr, Pennebaker & Mohr PC, Middletown, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee. The committee investigates complaints against any individuals who are not authorized to practice and are alleged to be performing acts or services constituting the practice of law.
David L. Narkiewicz, Office of General Counsel, Pennsylvania Department of General Services, Harrisburg, was named co-chair of the PBA Editorial Committee, which oversees the publications of the association.
Jessie L. Smith,Office of Attorney General, Harrisburg, was namedco-chair of the PBA Commission on Women in the Profession Committee, which looks at the status of women in the legal profession and recommends solutions to problems that prevent women from full participation in the work, responsibilities and rewards of the legal profession. Smith also was renamed chair of the PBA Agricultural Law Committee, which studies questions and problems affecting rural and agricultural interests in Pennsylvania. The committee also monitors and makes recommendations concerning proposals for legislation or regulations relating to rural and agricultural interests.
Leonard Tintner, Boswell Tintner & Piccola, Harrisburg, was named co-chair of the PBA Senior Lawyers Committee, which serves as the voice of senior lawyers within the association and enacts services, programs and activities for its members to enhance their careers and quality of life.
Maribeth Wilt-Seibert, Office of Chief Counsel, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Harrisburg, wasrenamed chair of the PBA Appellate Advocacy Committee, which promotes, supports and improves post-trial and appellate advocacy through regular member dialogues, seminars, a newsletter and interactions with the courts and similar national and state organizations.
Delaware County
Joseph Patrick O'Brien, KAO Law Associates, Media, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee. This committee investigates complaints against any individuals who are not authorized to practice and are alleged to be performing acts or services constituting the practice of law.
Erie County
Zanita A. Zacks-Gabriel, The Law Office of Zanita A. Zacks-Gabriel, Erie, was renamed chair of the PBA Collaborative Law Committee, which addresses current issues regarding the collaborative law dispute resolution process, educates lawyers and the public about the process, recommends standards of practice, and monitors, proposes and supports legislation and rules of court that further the development of the process.
Fayette County
Anne N. John, John & John, Uniontown, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Shale Energy Law Committee, which communicates with fellow PBA members about shale energy legislation and regulations and facilitates education about shale energy for lawyers and the public.
Franklin County
Forest N. Myers, a past PBA president and principal of Law Offices of Forest N. Myers, Shippensburg, was named co-chair of the PBA Senior Lawyers Committee, which serves as the voice of senior lawyers within the association and enacts services, programs and activities for its members to enhance their careers and quality of life.
Juniata County
Ralph A. Germak, McAlisterville, was renamed chair of the PBA Criminal Justice Section. The section is concerned with protecting the rights of all individuals involved in criminal court proceedings.
Lackawanna County
Melinda C. Ghilardi, Office of Federal Public Defender – Middle District of Pennsylvania, Scranton,was named co-chair of the PBA Bar Leadership Institute, which strengthens efforts to recruit and develop future leaders of the association.
Lancaster County
Jeffrey A. Mills, Nikolaus & Hohenadel LLP, Lancaster, was renamed chair of the PBA Review and Certifying Board. The board reviews applications from organizations seeking to certify a lawyer's expertise in a specific field of practice and makes recommendations to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania for accreditation or reaccreditation of certifying organizations.
Lehigh County
Kathleen M. Mills, Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba PC, Center Valley, was named chair of the PBA Judicial Administration Committee. The committee studies and makes recommendations on legislative issues pertaining to the operation, procedure and reform of the state and federal court systems.
Luzerne County
Lars Anderson, Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn PC, Kingston, was renamed chair of the PBA Community and Public Relations Committee, which formulates and implements plans for improving the image of lawyers through public relations initiatives.
Elaine Cook, Cook Law PC, Drums, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Health Care Law Committee, which monitors legislation and litigation that affect the health care system.
Richard M. Goldberg, Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn PC, Kingston, was renamed chair of the PBA Judicial Campaign Advertising Committee, which promotes accurate, fair and dignified judicial campaign advertising among candidates seeking election to the commonwealth's appellate courts by monitoring and reviewing complaints.
Jeffrey J. Malak, a partner at Chariton Schwager & Malak, Wilkes-Barre, was named co-chair of the PBA Shale Energy Law Committee, which communicates with fellow PBA members about shale energy legislation and regulations and facilitates education about shale energy for lawyers and the public.
David E. Schwager, a partner at Chariton Schwager & Malak, Wilkes-Barre, was renamed chair of the PBA Planning Committee, which assists the presidential leadership by identifying priorities and initiatives to ensure the continuation of programs and policies that are beneficial to the association and its membership.
Lycoming County
William P. Carlucci, Elion, Wayne, Grieco, Carlucci & Shipman PC, Williamsport, and past PBA president, was renamed co-chair of the PABAR-PAC. The committee raises funds and contributes to the campaigns of incumbent legislators and legislative candidates supporting legislation and related issues of interest to lawyers and the PBA.
Julieanne E. Steinbacher, Steinbacher & Stahl, Williamsport, was named chair of the PBA Elder Law Section, which assists lawyers, the elderly population and those associated with the elderly community through educational programs focusing on advancements in elder law. This appointment is effective July 22.
Montgomery County
John C. Gregory Jr., Streamlight Inc., Eagleville, was named co-chair of the PBA In-House Counsel Committee, which works on matters of concern to lawyers employed as in-house corporate counsel.
Wendy Castor Hess, Goldblum & Hess, Jenkintown, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Immigration Law Committee, which addresses issues in the area of immigration law, monitors and makes recommendations concerning legislation in this area, and promotes understanding of immigration related laws, regulations and court decisions.
Marisa H. Lattimore, Fort Washington, was named co-chair of the PBA Minority Bar Committee, which develops programs to promote the issues and concerns of minority lawyers. It also studies, reviews and makes recommendations on all legislation impacting minority citizens in the commonwealth.
Donald J. Martin, Donald J. Martin Attorney at Law, Norristown, was named chair of the PBA Bylaws Committee. The committee proposes changes to the association's government bylaws and reviews comments on changes to the bylaws that are suggested by other PBA committees, sections and task forces.
Robert F. Morris, Morris Wilson PC, Plymouth Meeting, was renamed chair of the PBA Judicial Evaluation Commission, which works to provide Pennsylvania voters with recommendations on appellate candidates through a thorough review process.
John L. Purcell III, The Purcell Law Firm PC, King of Prussia, was named chair of the PBA Intellectual Property Section, which is concerned with furthering the development of the law and procedures related to intellectual property.
Mary C. Pugh, Montgomery Child Advocacy Project, Norristown, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Legal Services to the Public Committee. The committee provides assistance in the creation of programs designed to provide for the delivery of legal services to indigent Pennsylvanians. It also monitors and makes recommendations concerning all legislation regarding unmet legal needs and pro bono service.
Gerald L. Shoemaker Jr., Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller, Norristown, was renamed chair of the PBA GLBT Rights Committee, which studies matters pertaining to the recognition and protection of the legal rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The committee also monitors and makes recommendations on issues and developments in the law impacting GLBT people in the public and the legal profession.
Paul C. Troy, Kane, Pugh, Knoell, Troy & Kramer LLP, Norristown, was renamed chair of the PBA Leadership Recruitment and Development Committee, which identifies future leaders of the PBA, provides information about how to obtain leadership positions and encourages members to seek those positions.
Lily Yazno-Bartle, The Law Offices of Caryl Andrea Oberman, Willow Grove, was named chair of the PBA Legal Services for Exceptional Children Committee. The committee develops programs designed to educate members of the legal profession about current legislation and regulations affecting exceptional children and their families. It also makes recommendations concerning legislation and regulations.
Philadelphia County
Nadia Adawi, Law Offices of Nadia Adawi, was renamed chair of the PBA Animal Law Committee, which promotes the study and understanding of laws, regulations and court decisions dealing with legal issues involving animals.
Norris Elton Benns Jr., Delaware Valley Healthcare Council of The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, was named co-chair of the PBA Minority Bar Committee, which develops programs to promote the issues and concerns of minority lawyers. It also studies, reviews and makes recommendations on all legislation impacting minority citizens in the commonwealth.
Michael Churchill, Public Interest Law Center of Philadelphia, was renamed chair of the PBA Education Law Section, which serves as a resource for lawyers involved in protecting the interests of students, teachers and administrators. The section concentrates on curriculum requirements and employment rights and on helping to improve the relationship between school boards and their employees.
Nancy Conrad, White and Williams LLP, was named chair of the PBA Labor and Employment Law Section, which is concerned with all aspects of labor relations, including the relationship between labor unions and employees. The section also monitors legislative developments and judicial decisions relating to labor law.
Cheryl F. Cutrona, Good Shepherd Mediation Program,was named chair of the PBA
Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, which works on current issues relating to mediation, arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution processes. The committee also conducts professional education programs and monitors legislation regarding alternative dispute resolution.
Lawrence S. Felzer, SeniorLAW Center, was named chair of the PBA Civil and Equal Rights Committee. The committee works to promote and defend civil rights and responsibilities, fair treatment and equal opportunity for all individuals.
Eric G. Fikry, Blank Rome LLP, was renamed chair of the PBA Gaming Law Committee, which reviews, studies and makes recommendations concerning legislative proposals in the area of gaming law. It promotes the understanding of laws, regulations and court decisions in the gaming area and develops materials and educational programs of interest to gaming practitioners.
Daniel Q. Harrington, Cozen O'Connor, was named co-chair of the PBA Legal Ethics & Professional Responsibility Committee, which responds to inquiries from lawyers on the impact of the provisions of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Michael B. Lee, Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity, was named co-chair of the PBA Legal Services to the Public Committee. The committee provides assistance in the creation of programs designed to provide for the delivery of legal services to indigent Pennsylvanians. It also monitors and makes recommendations concerning all legislation regarding unmet legal needs and pro bono service.
Ronald L. Marrero, Robert J. Casey Jr. & Associates, Philadelphia, was named chair of the PBA Insurance Staff Attorney Committee, which promotes the interests of insurance staff counsel, fosters quality professional conduct and provides services to its members.
Wesley R. Payne IV, White and Williams LLP, was named chair of the PBA Diversity Team, which establishes resources and forums to increase communications among PBA groups with diversity initiatives by working collaboratively with PBA leadership, staff and other PBA-related entities, including the Pennsylvania Bar Foundation, the Pennsylvania Bar Insurance Fund and Trust Fund, PABAR-PAC and the Pennsylvania Bar Institute.
Philip H. Yoon, Superior Court of Pennsylvania Chief Staff Attorney, was renamed chair of the PBA Law-Related Education Committee, which is responsible for programs that educate young people about the rule of law, the history and workings of government and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Susquehanna County
Francis X. O'Connor, a past president of the PBA and a sole practitioner in Great Bend, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, which provides educational programming and coordinates statewide efforts on legal matters affecting active, reserve and National Guard military service members, retirees and veterans and their families.
Washington County
Michele S. Haggerty, The Haggerty Law Office PC, Washington, was named chair of the PBA Lawyers' Assistance Committee, which develops programs to assist impaired lawyers and their law partners, clients and families.
York County
Niles S. Benn, Benn Law Firm, York, was named co-chair of the PBA Bar/Press Committee. The committee works to promote and increase cooperation and dialogue among the press, the bench and the bar. Through its efforts, the Bar/Press Committee seeks to create a more informed citizenry about the First and Sixth Amendments of the Constitution of the United States.
Scott Blanchard, Sunday editor, York Daily Record/Sunday News, was named co-chair of the PBA Bar/Press Committee. The committee works to promote and increase cooperation and dialogue among the press, the bench and the bar. Through its efforts, the Bar/Press Committee seeks to create a more informed citizenry about the First and Sixth Amendments of the Constitution of the United States.
William F. Hoffmeyer, Hoffmeyer & Semmelman LLP, York, was renamed co-chair of the PBA Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee. The committee investigates complaints against any individuals who are not authorized to practice and are alleged to be performing acts or services constituting the practice of law.
Out of State
Paul S. Homick, Mercy Health Foundation - Mahoning Valley, Boardman, Ohio, was named chair of the PBA Charitable Organizations Committee, which focuses on matters of concern to lawyers who are employed by or who represent charitable organizations.
Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association exists to promote justice, professional excellence and respect of the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 27,000 lawyers who are members of the association.