Thrasher to begin new job in August, endorses chief of staff as replacement

Westmoreland County Commissioner Gina Cerilli Thrasher will leave office July 31.

Thrasher, 37, of Latrobe tendered her resignation Thursday, two days after her appointment to serve as a commissioner on the Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board was confirmed by the state Senate.

“I will begin my quasi-judicial position … in August. I am extremely thankful for Gov. (Josh) Shapiro and the senators for giving me this opportunity,” Thrasher said.

Thrasher endorsed her chief of staff, Donald O’Brien, as the replacement to complete the final five months of her term.

The county’s 11 Common Pleas judges will appoint Thrasher’s replacement.

Court Administrator Amy DeMatt said judges will solicit applications for the job and hear presentations from candidates during an open court session. Details about the appointment process are expected to be released Friday, she said.

O’Brien, 65, has worked as Thrasher’s top aide since she took office in January 2015.

“Don O’Brien is not running for election, and his name is not on the ballot. Therefore, there would be no political repercussions by appointing him,” Thrasher said. “He would also be ready to step into this role on day 1. He has sat in every county meeting for the last eight years and knows the current county business.

“Don has already filled in as an unofficial commissioner during my maternity leave this year.”

O’Brien said he will seek a judicial appointment to complete his boss’ unexpired term.

“It’s an honor to be endorsed by Commissioner Thrasher,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien has been a county employee since 1987, having worked at the county nursing home, Westmoreland Manor, and later as a guard and training officer at the county prison. He earns $77,961 as Thrasher’s chief of staff.

His mother, Kathalyn O’Brien, held several elected offices in the county, including jury commissioner and treasurer for about two decades.

Thrasher announced in February she would not seek a third term in office.

She is the lone Democrat on the board of commissioners. State law requires her replacement to have been a registered Democrat at time she took office in January 2020.

Democrats in the spring primary nominated former Commissioner Ted Kopas and Scottdale resident Sydney Hovis to run for seats on the three-member board of commissioners against incumbent Republicans Sean Kertes and Doug Chew.

Both Kopas and Hovis said this week they will seek the appointment to serve out the remainder of Thrasher’s term.