Pittsburgh — Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, who now serves as an attorney at Spilman Thomas & Battle, releases the following statement on the passing of former Allegheny County Executive James Roddey:

“I am saddened by the passing of my good friend Jim Roddey, and we should all remember him for his outstanding lifetime achievements in both business and government. Jim was the first County Executive in Allegheny County and the last Republican to hold that important position. He truly was instrumental in reforming county government at a critical juncture in our history. I was honored to be part of his transition team and recall him bringing a business approach to government. In the process, he became a lifelong friend, ally, and colleague.

At the time, Allegheny County government needed reform and wholesale change, and Jim led that effort with grace and leadership. He led from the front, which is what you would expect from a very successful businessman and a former Captain in the United States Marine Corps who served during Vietnam. But he also was non-partisan, a true gentleman, and consistently demonstrated care and concern for all citizens of Allegheny County. He was the right person at the right time, and he will be missed.”

About the Honorable Tom Corbett
Corbett served as Pennsylvania Governor from 2011-2015. He also held many other important positions in the state of Pennsylvania, including Pennsylvania Attorney General and U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, among others. He now serves as a key advisor to U.S. presidents and governors and provides guidance on public policy and legislative developments regionally and nationally that affect clients.

About Spilman Thomas & Battle, PLLC
Spilman Thomas & Battle is a full-service, super-regional law firm serving local, regional, national and international businesses. Founded in 1864, Spilman has offices in Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and Wheeling, West Virginia; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Roanoke, Virginia; and St. Augustine, Florida.