The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission met for its 121st annual meeting on June 17, where members unanimously elected the Hero Fund’s 2025-2026 officers. Eric P. Zahren, Thomas L. Wentling Jr., and Arthur M. Scully III remain as Hero Fund president, chair, and treasurer, respectively. Adding to the roster this year, Michael A. Thompson was elected vice chair and Alex DiClaudio as Hero Fund secretary.
In addition to the election of officers, Wentling presented board member Susanne C. Wean with a resolution recognizing her emeritus status after 14 years of service as a regular member.
“Ms. Wean was elected a member to the board in 2011 and has served as Vice Chair since 2023,” the resolution read. “More than 1,100 Carnegie heroes have been awarded the Carnegie Medal over her tenure.”
Since 2022, board members who reach the maximum service age of 75 are given emeritus status, allows them to continue to provide “wisdom and secure the institutional knowledge of this esteemed Commission.”
Shortly after the meeting, Duane D. Holloway resigned from the Commission. Holloway was elected in 2023.
In addition, longtime members Ann McGuinn and Robert J. Cindrich retired from emeritus membership.
“I have very much enjoyed my service with the Commission and especially the opportunity to work with [Zahren] and so many other highly talented and capable people,” Cindrich wrote.
Cindrich, a former judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, was elected to the Commission in 2013.
McGuinn was elected to the board in 1992 and served on the Centennial Committee in 2002.
“Thank you for all your service to the Commission,” Wentling wrote in an email to the departing members. “There are few endeavors I can think of that are more consequential and it doesn’t happen without board members who give it their all for all the right reasons. That would be you.”
