U.S. Steel Awards $85K to Charities, Honoring Employee Service
United States Steel Corporation has recognized outstanding employee volunteers through its United by Service initiative, celebrating their dedication to community service in 2024. As part of this recognition, U. S. Steel has named its Volunteer of the Year along with 14 Service Champions and has pledged a total of $85,000 in donations to the charities of their choice.
United by Service Initiative
The United by Service initiative was launched in January 2021 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service. This program highlights the contributions of employees across various locations, reinforcing U. S. Steel’s commitment to the communities where its facilities operate. In 2024 alone, U. S. Steel employees contributed over 20,000 hours to various charitable causes.
Honoring the Volunteer of the Year
Jeremiah North, a utility technician at U. S. Steel Great Lakes Works, has been named the United by Service 2024 Volunteer of the Year. In recognition of his outstanding commitment to service, U. S. Steel is donating $15,000 to his chosen charity, Flat Rock Rotary, U.S. Steel a branch of Rotary International dedicated to addressing community needs.
“I’m humbled and honored by this award and to be named among so many impactful volunteers. I really feel it’s important to give back, and I’m glad U. S. Steel is a partner in supporting our local communities,” North said.
Recognizing 14 Service Champions
In addition to North, U. S. Steel has honored 14 employees as Service Champions, each of whom will receive a $5,000 donation toward the charity of their choice. These individuals have shown extraordinary commitment to their U.S. Steel communities, engaging in activities ranging from fire department service to animal rescue, youth sports programs, and more.
Pennsylvania Honorees
- Richie Bochicchio (Customer Experience Analyst, U. S. Steel Headquarters): A docent for the Pittsburgh Zoo and chair of its Visitor Engagement Committee, Bochicchio led interactive programs benefiting nearly 60,000 guests.
- Michael Castner (Utility Technician and Scheduler, Mon Valley Works – Clairton): A key member of Monessen Fire Department #2, Castner oversees operations and ensures emergency preparedness.
- Adam Lourie (Pricing Manager, U. S. Steel Headquarters): An advocate for animal welfare, Lourie fosters Italian Greyhounds through Henry’s Heart Iggy Rescue.
- David Mutnansky (Emergency Services Team, Mon Valley Works – Edgar Thomson): As Assistant Chief of Forbes Road Fire Department, Mutnansky secured a $1.2 million FEMA grant for volunteer firefighter recruitment.
- John Palmer (Millwright, Mon Valley Works – Irvin Plant): A volunteer firefighter with Monessen Fire Department #1, Palmer played a key role in funding the renovation of the department’s ladder truck.
- Brian Turpin (Safety Manager, Mon Valley Works – Edgar Thomson): A firefighter with Greensburg Hose Company #1, Turpin helps organize the department’s annual fundraising events, including a car cruise featuring 200+ entries.
Indiana and Michigan Honorees
- Tyrell Anderson (Operational Excellence Engineer, U. S. Steel Gary Works): Anderson, the 2023 Volunteer of the Year, leads Decay Devils, an organization focused on revitalizing historical structures in Northwest Indiana.
- John Castellano (Utility Technician, U. S. Steel – Midwest Plant): As President of Munster Little League, Castellano oversees improvements to facilities serving over 400 young baseball players.
- Kevin Owensby (Utility Technician, U. S. Steel Gary Works): A leader at Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited, Owensby supports equine therapy programs for individuals with disabilities.
- Katelyn Ridlbauer (Accounting Analyst, U. S. Steel Gary Works): Passionate about pet rescue, Ridlbauer organizes fundraisers for 2 X 2 Rescue Corporation and Begin Again Rescue.
Illinois Honoree
- Robert Knowles (Safety, Security, and Emergency Services Team, U. S. Steel Granite City Works): Serving as U.S. Steel Captain and Public Relations Officer for the Glen Carbon Fire Protection District, Knowles coordinates community outreach efforts.
Minnesota Honoree
- Jeremy Dickson (Expediter, U. S. Steel Minnesota Ore Operations – Minntac): Dickson volunteers with Ronald McDonald House, raising funds to provide housing for families with hospitalized children. U.S. Steel He also founded Twin Ports Ghostbusters, an organization that supports Ronald McDonald House through entertaining community events.
Slovakia Honorees
- Ľubomír Mitrik (Firefighter and Fire & Accident Reporting Operator, U. S. Steel Kosice): A volunteer firefighter and committee officer for the village of Drienov, Mitrik educates youth on fire safety and assists in crisis response.
- Marek Varga (Inspection Electrician, U. S. Steel Kosice): A volunteer firefighter and radio operator for Kosice Volunteer Fire Department, Varga maintains the department’s communication equipment to ensure emergency readiness.
Commitment to Community Service
U. S. Steel extends its gratitude to all honorees and every employee volunteer who dedicates their time to making a positive impact. The company remains committed to supporting community service initiatives and empowering its workforce to engage in meaningful volunteerism.
Through the United by Service initiative, U. S. Steel continues to reinforce its values of social responsibility, U.S. Steel fostering a culture where employees are encouraged to give back and strengthen the communities they serve.
