Pittsburgh Businessman Named Pa. Turnpike Commission Chairman

HARRISBURG, PA (03/01/2011)(readMedia)-- Pittsburgh businessman William K. Lieberman was named chairman of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) today during a regular, bimonthly meeting of the five-member board. Also, A. Michael Pratt, an attorney who resides in Carlisle, Pa., was chosen to serve as the PTC's vice chairman under a reorganization plan unanimously approved by the commission.

Lieberman was nominated by Gov. Edward G. Rendell on May 6, 2010 to serve a four-year term as a Turnpike commissioner, and the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously confirmed his nomination July 1, 2010.

"Since the 2007 passage of Act 44, the law under which the Turnpike is providing billions in supplemental funding to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the PTC's responsibilities have expanded greatly," Lieberman said. "Today, we continue to invest heavily in rebuilding the Turnpike - providing safer, smoother travel for customers - while also serving as a funding partner to help PennDOT improve roads, bridges and transit across the commonwealth. As a result of these dual obligations, it's more important than ever to focus on operating efficiently, continuing to cut costs without sacrificing the level of service travelers have come to expect."

Lieberman has been president of The Lieberman Companies (insurance and pension provider) since 2003. He serves on the boards of AMPCO Pittsburgh and GENCO-ATC. A graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pa., he is a University of Pittsburgh trustee and former chairman of the Manchester-Bidwell Corp., Pittsburgh.

Pratt is a partner in the law firm of Pepper Hamilton LLP and was originally named to the commission in June 2009, becoming the first African-American commissioner in the Turnpike's 70-year history. Pratt joined Pepper Hamilton in 1986 and is a partner in the Philadelphia and Harrisburg offices as well as the first African-American member of the firm's executive committee. He is an active member of the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and American bar associations and has served as president of the Barristers' Association of Philadelphia - an organization of African-American lawyers. Pratt received a B.A. in Economics and English from Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, Pa., in 1981 and earned a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1985.

Camp Hill, Pa. resident Barry J. Schoch, P.E., appointed Jan. 12 by Gov. Tom Corbett as Pennsylvania's Secretary of Transportation, attended his first meeting as an ex-officio member of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. Acting Secretary Schoch, a Penn State University graduate with more than 25 years of experience in the engineering field, must be confirmed by the state senate for his appointment to be considered official. Schoch began his career with the Delaware Department of Transportation and worked for two private-sector firms before joining McCormick Taylor Inc., a Philadelphia based engineering-consulting firm, in 1995. He was vice president for McCormick Taylor and manager of the Harrisburg office engineering department when he accepted the transportation secretary position.

Additionally, J. William Lincoln, a commissioner since May 2004, was reappointed PTC secretary-treasurer. Lincoln, who was state senator for 16 years - and senate majority leader during his final term - also served as a state representative for six years. Lincoln, of Uniontown, Pa., also was a member of the State Transportation Advisory Committee and a University of Pittsburgh trustee. He attended Penn State University and is owner of Linc Consultants.

Continuing to serve as a commissioner is Bucks County businessman Pasquale T. (Pat) Deon Sr. First named to the commission in June 2002, Deon is chairman of the board for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). He is also a service-industry entrepreneur involved in real-estate development, beverage distribution and construction services. Deon is owner of WBCB-1490AM Radio, Levittown Pa., and co-owner of Temperance House Restaurant & Inn, Newtown, Pa.

The five-member Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission was created by the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1937 with authority to construct, finance, operate and maintain the Turnpike. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, "America's First Superhighway," opened to the public in October 1940. Four commissioners, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate, plus the secretary of transportation, serve on the commission for four-year terms.

More information about the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is available online at www.paturnpike.com.