Former State Senator, Representative Michael Dawida Ascends to National Leadership Position

Pittsburgh, PA – Michael Dawida, executive director of Scenic Pittsburgh, has been elected Chair of the Board of the national non-profit Scenic America.

Mr. Dawida joined the Scenic America Board in 2019, and was elected as Chair April 17, 2020, for a two-year term. He succeeds Ryke Longest, Jr., Clinical Professor of Environmental Sciences and Policy at the Duke University School of Law.

Mr. Dawida has been executive director of Scenic Pittsburgh since shortly after its founding in 2010. He served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1979 to 1988 and the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1989 to 1996, as well as serving as Allegheny County Commissioner from 1996-99. He was born, and still resides, in the Carrick neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

“Working with Mike over the last couple of years I have had an opportunity to see his unique talent for connection with people, and how easily he communicates the importance of our nation’s scenic legacy,” says Scenic America president Mark Falzone.

“He has a real passion for protecting this region’s beauty, and his long political career makes him able to understand and talk about the implications it has for community development, health and civic pride in a way that very few people can.”

For his part, Sen. Dawida calls taking on the role “a great honor.”
“Scenic Pittsburgh became the first full chapter of Scenic America last year, and that partnership has allowed us to do so much more for the communities in southwestern Pennsylvania,” he said.

“I look forward to doing much more – while helping to guide our parent organization into the future.”

About Scenic Pittsburgh: Scenic Pittsburgh is a nonprofit organization that protects, enhances, and promotes the scenic beauty – both natural and built – of southwestern Pennsylvania. We serve the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland. Our work is focused on the nexus where economic development, community health, and environmental and historic preservation meet. Scenic Pittsburgh is a chapter of Scenic America, the nation’s premier scenic conservation organization. Contact Kate Angell with any questions