Frank J. Lucchino Distinguished Service Award
Frank J. Lucchino Distinguished Service Award Winner 2023
Amie M. Downs, Esq.
Communications Director
On December 19, 2023, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and County Manager/Chief of Staff Jennifer M. Liptak announced that the county has presented the Frank J. Lucchino Distinguished Service Award to Ms. Amie M. Downs, Esq., the county’s Communications Director. This is the 11th Distinguished Service Award presented by the county since the program was re-instituted in 2013.
“Amie was one of my first two hires, and has been a dedicated, trusted and reliable part of our team since I took office in January 2012. A short list of her job responsibilities does not adequately illustrate the full scope of her immense workload and all that she has accomplished during her career in public service,” said Fitzgerald. “Those who Amie works with marvel at her multitasking skills, tenaciousness, attention to detail, and just how much she cares for her colleagues and this region. I thank her for her years of public service, especially her passion, dedication, and commitment to providing vital information to the public that informed their decisions and impacted their lives.”
Ms. Downs worked for the county from February 2002-June 2005 as Council’s Legislative Services Director. She served as Chief of Staff for State Senator Wayne D. Fontana for nearly seven years before returning in November 2011 to join the Fitzgerald administration. She has held the role of Communications Director since January 2012. In that role, she developed or coordinated all communications for county departments under the Executive Branch and assisted her colleagues on county authorities and boards. That work has included media inquiries, press releases, public statements, social media posts, website editing, talking points, publications, constitution responses, and general messaging.
Amie earned her bachelor’s degree from Carlow University and a juris doctorate from Duquesne University School of Law. She is a Carlow Trustee and, in 2016, was named as a Carlow Laureate, the university’s most prestigious honor. In addition to her work with Carlow, Amie has served on the Allegheny County Parks Foundation Marketing Committee, Allegheny League of Municipalities Board, Dormont Library Board, Friends of the Dormont Library Board, Pittsburgh Film Office Board, Pittsburgh Musical Theater Board, and the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta Board.
Amie was surprised prior to the final quarterly address by the County Executive who gathered with the county’s directors and deputy directors to make the announcement. County Executive Fitzgerald announced the award along with County Manager/Chief of Staff Liptak and Senior Deputy County Manager Steve Pilarski. Also in attendance were Amie’s husband, Paul, her mother, Susan, and sister-in-law, Jessica.
Amie was presented with a county proclamation and will receive a formal plaque designating her as the 2023 awardee which includes a photograph from the presentation.