The Conference of County Bar Leaders (CCBL) of the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) recently honored David A. Blaner, executive director of the Allegheny County Bar Association (ACBA), with its 16th Annual Arthur J. Birdsall Award. The Birdsall Award is presented to a county bar executive who demonstrates professional excellence, who is committed to the success of his or her bar association and who significantly enhances the stature of his or her bar association. The award is named in honor of Arthur J. Birdsall, the PBA's county bar services director who retired after nearly 40 years of support to local bar associations.

Among Blaner's accomplishments in the 12 years he has served the ACBA, it is significant to note that an impressive 70% of the licensed attorneys in his county are members of the county bar association. Funding grants for public interest and government lawyers; spearheading diversity efforts; his commitment to equal justice and access to the courts for all people; strengthening relationships with state legislators; and supporting charitable causes are just some of the projects Blaner has undertaken with the ACBA. He is not only an advocate for the PBA, but also is a recognized leader in the ABA. In August, he will become president of the National Association of Bar Executives. To quote from the nomination received on his behalf, "David's wisdom and experience put him among the most respected bar leaders in our state, if not the nation. When he speaks, bar executives and leaders from across the country take notice and follow his lead." Unfortunately, Blaner was unable to attend the 47th CCBL held in State College in February. He will be presented with the Birdsall award at the upcoming PABE meeting that will be held in conjunction with the PBA Annual Meeting in May, which appropriately, will take place in Allegheny County.