HARRISBURG (June 30, 2008) — More than 70 Pennsylvania lawyers will serve as 2008-09 chairs of Pennsylvania Bar Association’s committees and sections. PBA President C. Dale McClain made the following appointments:

Lori L. Breen, a shareholder at O’Brien, Rulis & Bochicchio L.L.C., was named chair of the PBA Law-Related Education Committee, which is responsible for overseeing many of the law-related youth education programs undertaken by the PBA. These programs include Celebrate the Constitution and Law Day.

Sally Griffith Cimini, a shareholder at Babst Calland Clements & Zominir P.C., Pittsburgh, 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.

Jerry S. Eisenberg, managing attorney at Eisenberg & Torisky, Pittsburgh, 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.

Judge D. Michael Fisher, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, Pittsburgh, was named 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, a shareholder with the law firm of Reed Smith L.L.P., 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.

Chris F. Gillotti, a partner with the law firm of Gillotti Capristo & Beck P.C., Pittsburgh, was renamed chair of the PBA Judicial Evaluation Commission, which works to provide Pennsylvania voters with solid recommendations on appellate candidates through a thorough review process.

John D. Goetz, a partner with the law firm of Jones Day, Pittsburgh, was renamed chair of the PBA Aeronautical and Space Law Section, which focuses on aviation law issues.

J. Marie Webb, staff attorney for KidsVoice, Pittsburgh, was named chair of the PBA Community and Public Relations Committee, which formulates and implements plans for improving the image of lawyers through public relations initiatives.

Maryanne Wesdock, assistant counsel for the Environmental Hearing Board, Pittsburgh, was renamed chair of the PBA Environmental Mineral and Natural Resources Section. The section focuses efforts on issues concerning land preservation, commercial and individual sewage disposal and mining and drilling regulations. It also monitors regulations issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Joanne Ross Wilder, president of Wilder and Mahood, Pittsburgh, was named 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.

Heidi B. Masano, a partner with the law firm of Masano Bradley L.L.P., Wyomissing, was named chair 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.

Hollie B. John, a partner at Connolly, Jacobson, DePietro & John L.L.P., Doylestown, was renamed chair of the PBA Legal Services for Exception 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.

John J. Stanzione, a partner in the law firm of Wusinich Brogan & Stanzione, Downingtown, 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.

Mark L. Tunnell, a shareholder in the law firm of Gawthrop Greenwood & Halsted P.C., West Chester, was renamed chair of the PBA Professionalism Committee, which studies, recommends and implements programs and initiatives designed to promote professionalism within the legal community.

Debra K. Wallet, a sole practitioner in Camp Hill, was named 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.

Andrew R. Eisemann, an associate with Capozzi & Associates P.C., Harrisburg, was named 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.

John L. Gedid, vice dean, Widener University School of Law, Harrisburg, was named chair of the PBA Statutory Law Committee, which assists any state government and PBA entity in the drafting of legislation.

John H. Howard, staff attorney for the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board, Harrisburg, was named 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.

Rikardo J. Hull, assistant counsel for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, Harrisburg, was renamed 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.

John B. Lampi of Saidis Flower & Lindsay, Harrisburg, was renamed 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.

Jackie Wiest Lutz of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Harrisburg, was named chair of the Administrative Law Section. The section observes and makes recommendations on the effectiveness of government-issued regulations.

Tracy L. McCurdy of the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Charitable Organizations, Harrisburg, 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.

Seth A. Mendelsohn, corporate counsel for American Water Southeast Region, Hershey, was renamed chair of the PBA Editorial Committee, which oversees the publications of the association.

K. Scott O’Brian, an associate with McNees Wallace & Nurick L.L.C., Harrisburg, 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.

Dan A. Schulder, a partner at WolfBlock, 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.

Craig J. Staudenmaier, managing partner at Nauman Smith Shissler & Hall L.L.P., Harrisburg, was named co-chair of the PBA Bar/Press Committee. This 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.

Steven A. Stine, a sole practitioner in Hummelstown, was named 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.

Shawn Weis, assistant legal counsel at the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, Harrisburg, was named 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.

Brett M. Woodburn, a partner with Caldwell & Kearns P.C., Harrisburg, was named 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."

Linda M. Anderson of Anderson Elder Law, Media, 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.

Joseph P. O’Brien with the law firm of Kassab Archbold & O’Brien L.L.C., 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.

Carlton Anne Cook Walker, a sole practitioner in McConnellsburg, 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.

David R. Fine, a partner with Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Preston Gates Ellis L.L.P., Harrisburg, was renamed chair of the PBA Civil Litigation Section, which focuses on issues that directly affect civil litigation cases in Pennsylvania courts.

Elisabeth S. Shuster, chief counsel, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, Manheim, 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.

Victoria A. Coyle, executive director for North Penn Legal Services, Bethlehem, was named 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.

Barbara L. Hollenbach, a partner with Tallman Hudders & Sorrentino P.C., Allentown, 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.

Richard M. Goldberg, a partner with the law firm of Hourigan Kluger & Quinn P.C. in Kingston, was named 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.

William P. Carlucci, a partner at Elion Wayne Grieco Carlucci Shipman & Irwin P.C., Williamsport, and a former PBA president, was renamed 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.

Rebecca L. Reinhardt of McNerney Page Vanderlin & Hall, Williamsport, was named chair of the PBA Solo & 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.

Judge Mason Avrigian, a partner in the law firm of Wisler Pearlstine L.L.P., Blue Bell, was renamed chair of the PBA Senior Lawyers Committee, which serves as the voice of senior lawyers within the association.

Helen E. Casale, a shareholder with Hangley Aronchick, Segal & Pudlin, Norristown, was named chair of the PBA Gay & Lesbian Rights Committee, which studies matters pertaining to the recognition and protection of the legal rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Mary Cushing Doherty, a partner with High Swartz L.L.P., Norristown, was renamed chair of the PBA Review & 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.

Jill R. Fowler, a partner at Heckscher Teillon Terrill & Sager P.C., West Conshohocken, was named chair of the PBA Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section, which concentrates on landlord-tenant relations, environmental issues, eminent domain and probate matters.

Richard J. Heleniak of the Law Office of Richard J. Heleniak, Blue Bell, was named chair of the PBA Medical & Health Related Issues Committee. The committee studies matters of concern to the medical and legal professions and reviews legislation addressing ethical considerations related to these two disciplines.

Carol M. Lauchmen of Carol M. Lauchmen Associates, Harleysville, was renamed chair of the PBA Lawyers’ Assistance Committee, which develops programs to assist impaired lawyers and their law partners, clients and families.

Michael I. Levin, a sole practitioner in Huntingdon Valley, 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.

Mary C. Pugh, administrative director for the Montgomery Child Advocacy Project, Norristown, was named chair of the PBA Child Advocate Pro Bono Committee. The committee will explore how to engage pro bono lawyers to provide free legal representation and social services to children who are victims of abuse and neglect. The committee will first survey and publish what resources are available and then will work to bring a standard level of care across the commonwealth.

Carol A. Behers, a partner in the law firm of Raphael Ramsden & Behers P.C., was named chair of the PBA Family Law Section. This section develops and works with laws relating to marriage, divorce, nonsupport and domestic relations, adoption and juvenile delinquency.

Norris E. Benns Jr., special assistant counsel at the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, was named chair of the PBA Health Care Law Committee, which monitors legislation and litigation that affect the health care system.

Marc L. Bogutz, a shareholder with Christie Pabarue Mortensen and Young P.C., was renamed chair of the PBA Professional Liability Committee, which focuses on issues concerning lawyers’ liability case law.

Judge Pamela P. Dembe, Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, 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.

Tonya M. Evans, managing partner and principal of TME Law L.L.C., was renamed chair of the PBA Sports Entertainment & Art Law Committee. The committee provides education to the legal profession regarding issues affecting persons and entities involved in the sports, entertainment and art communities.

Shelley R. Goldner, associate attorney with Hamburg & Golden P.C., was named co-chair of the PBA Women in the Profession, 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.

Clifford E. Haines, founder of Haines and Associates and president-elect of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, was named chair of the Presidential Planning Committee, which annually assesses member services and programs and recommend changes and additions to both short- and long-term goals based on the needs of the members and trends in the profession.

Kim R. Jessum, of counsel with Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young L.L.P., was named chair of the PBA In-House Counsel Committee, which works on matters of concern to lawyers employed as in-house corporate counsel.

Kim Kocher, a partner with White and Williams L.L.P., was named 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.

Robert P. Krauss, a partner with Ballard Spahr Andrews Ingersoll L.L.P., was named 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.

Edward W. Madeira Jr., a partner with the law firm of Pepper Hamilton L.L.P., Philadelphia, was renamed chair of the PBA Commission for Justice Initiatives in Pennsylvania. The commission is composed of government, judiciary, legal and community leaders and is responsible for developing and encouraging the implementation of programs and practices in several Pennsylvania judicial districts to enhance the public’s trust and confidence in the justice system and to make the administration of justice more effective and efficient.

Robert W. Muench, a sole practitioner, was renamed chair of the PBA Criminal Law Section. The section is concerned with protecting the rights of all individuals who are involved in criminal court proceedings.

Lori Odessa was named 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.

Amy L. Rosenberger, partner in the law firm of Willig, Williams & Davidson, 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.

Judge Norma L. Shapiro, U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 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.

Carl A. Solano, a partner at Schnader Harrison Segal and Lewis L.L.P., was named 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.

Kelly B. Stapleton from the Office of the U.S. Trustee was named co-chair of the PBA Women in the Profession, 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.

Prince A. Thomas, special counsel at Fox Rothschild L.L.P., was renamed 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.

Craig B. Bluestein of the Law Offices of Craig B. Bluestein, Fort Washington, 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.

Joseph W. Lazzaro with the law firm of Kratzenberg & Lazzaro, Irwin, 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.

Sara A. Austin, name partner of the Austin Law Firm L.L.C., York, was renamed 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.

Judge John S. Kennedy, York County Court of Common Pleas, was renamed chair of the PBA Corrections System Committee, which studies the current corrections system in Pennsylvania and makes recommendations for its improvement.

William F. Hoffmeyer, a senior partner with the law firm of Hoffmeyer & Semmelman L.L.P. in York, 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.

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 29,000 lawyers who are members of the association.