Irey Vaughan to receive Spirit of Southpointe Award
Mike Jones/Observer-Reporter
Diana Irey Vaughan, chair of the Washington County Commission, will be honored Wednesday.
Lucas Piatt
For more than a quarter-century, Diana Irey Vaughan has displayed a spirit for public service. On Wednesday, she will receive an award reflective of that.
Irey Vaughan, chair of the Washington County commissioners, will receive the annual Jack B. Piatt Spirit of Southpointe Award that evening from the Washington County Chamber of Commerce’s CEO Association. She will be honored at a reception at the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe, scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Registration is still open.
A Republican, Irey Vaughan was initially elected commissioner in 1995. She has served seven consecutive terms in office, a county record, and is the only woman to hold that office. She is retiring from public service after nearly 30 years.
Jack Piatt, who died in 2020, was a successful Washington County entrepreneur who launched Millcraft Investments then grew it into a formidable force. He also was the visionary behind the development of Southpointe.
A highlight of Wednesday’s event will feature Jack’s son, Lucas, CEO of Piatt Companies, conducting a fireside chat with Irey Vaughan.
Chamber leaders
The county chamber has announced its board of directors for 2024.
There are three new members: Anthony Mauro, Pennsylvania Western University – California; Steve McCarron, Dollar Bank; and Diane Hirtz, Advanced Surgical Hospital.
Board members back for a second term are: Brook Ward, Washington Health System, and Christopher Koop, Energy Transfer.
The 2024 Executive Committee will feature Matt Thiel, AUMA Actuators, chairman; Ward, vice chairman; Jeffrey Walentosky, Moody & Associates, treasurer; Brian Cullen, SingleSource Property Solutions, secretary; Jennifer Gerchow, ANSYS, assistant secretary/treasurer; and Laural Ziemba, Range Resources, past chairperson.
Craft fair
Giant Oaks Winery in Finleyville will host a holiday craft fair and vendor fair next Saturday (Nov. 4) starting at 5 p.m.
The fair is free and will feature artisans and crafters selling handcrafted products and holiday gifts.
The winery, at 3540 Washington Ave., also showcases local artists Pieces featured on the Tasting Room’s walls will be available for immediate private purchase.
Vendors seeking a $15 table should contact the winery at 724-782-0216 or at giantoakswinery@gmail.com.