Allegheny County Democrats name new interim executive director

The Allegheny County Democratic Committee has a named new interim executive director just three months after the former resigned amid allegations of racially insensitive Facebook posts.

Steve Kochanowski, 34, of Beaver County, replaces Mark Salvas of Plum, who abruptly left the post in October after several weeks on the job.

Kockanowski will have to move to Allegheny County to take the job, said Eileen Kelly, the committee chair. The committee’s executive director basically serves as an office manager.

“I’m just here to make sure the committee people have the resources they need and continue the tradition of the Democratic Party of Allegheny County to be the standard bearer for Western Pennsylvania,” Kockanowski said. “I like Eileen, and I like the direction she wants to take the party in.”

Kelly said she was impressed with Kochanowski’s experience and immediately struck up a connection with him during an interview. Kochanowski, of Potter, the son of a Democratic committeeman, has been involved in political campaigns since high school.

“He comes from good family and has a wealth of knowledge,” Kelly said. “He’s worked on many campaigns. He wants to get good Democrats elected, and that’s what I want. I couldn’t ask for anyone better.”

Kochanowski said at age 18 officials appointed him to chair the Potter Township Democratic Committee and as a county committeeman. He’s served on the Pennsylvania Democratic Committee and worked on numerous political campaigns in Beaver and Washington counties.

Kelly declined to offer Kochanowski’s salary.

She said she would consider hiring him as permanent director.

“I want to make sure we can work together,” she said. “We did connect, but you never know if you can work together. I don’t think we would clash, but I feel better having him as an interim for now.”

Bob Bauder is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Bob at 412-765-2312, bbauder@tribweb.com or via Twitter @bobbauder.