About

Rivers of Steel showcases the artistry and innovation of southwestern Pennsylvania’s industrial and cultural heritage through its historical and 21st-century attractions—offering unique experiences via tours, workshops, exhibitions, festivals, and more.

Behind the scenes, Rivers of Steel supports economic revitalization—working at the grassroots level to deepen community partnerships, promote heritage tourism, and preserve local recreational and cultural resources for future generations.

Rivers of Steel is...

Our Mission

Founded on the principles of heritage development, community partnership, and a reverence for the region’s natural and shared resources, Rivers of Steel strengthens the economic and cultural fabric of western Pennsylvania by fostering dynamic initiatives and transformative experiences.

Our Story: A vision for the future, built on the past

Rivers of Steel’s journey began in the aftermath of the collapsed steel industry.  In 1988 a group of citizens got together, united by their concerns that with destruction of the shuttered mills an important part of our region’s culture was in danger of being erased, too.

Read our story

Rivers of Steel: A nonprofit, but also a place

Created by Congress in 1996, the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area celebrates the region’s industrial history, the landscape that fueled it, and the hardworking men and women who made it possible, linking its communities through their shared cultural and industrial heritage.

About the Heritage Area
The Carrie Blast Furnaces

Meet Our Team

Rivers of Steel has a dedicated team who bring passion to their work and enjoy the many ways in which the organization makes a positive impact on the region.  Connect with us!

August R. Carlino

August R. Carlino

President & CEO

Christine Statzer

Christine M. Statzer

Executive Assistant

Ronald Baraff

Ronald Baraff

Director of Historic Resources & Facilities

Suzi Bloom

Suzi Bloom

Director of Education

Stacy Drane

Stacy Drane

Director of Administration

Carly V. McCoy

Director of Marketing & Communications

Chris McGinnis

Chris McGinnis

Director of Rivers of Steel Arts

Adam Taylor

Facilities Operations Director & Construction Project Manager

Lisa Kelley

Lisa Kelley

Controller

Jaimie Hanson

Manager of Tourism

Brandon Weaver

Tourism Coordinator

Ryan O'Rourke

Ryan O'Rourke

Captain and Boat Operations Manager, Explorer Riverboat

Ryan Henderson

Ryan Henderson

Interpretive Specialist & Grant Writer

Dr. Kirsten L. Paine

Site Management Coordinator & Interpretive Specialist

Angela Biederman

Angela Biederman

Chief Deckhand

Ed Parrish

Ed Parrish, Jr.

Metal Arts Coordinator & Furnace Master

Paige Henry

Paige Henry

Metal Arts Technician