News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2025

National Eagle Scout Association – Pittsburgh Chapter Board Member Awarded Fulbright Scholarship

PITTSBURGH, PA – The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) – Pittsburgh Chapter is proud to share that one of our own, Board Member Michael Sipper, has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Award to Azerbaijan for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Michael is a distinguished graduate of the University of Pittsburgh Honors College, where he completed degrees in Political Science, Economics, and Turkish in just two years. His academic journey, marked by remarkable rigor and global focus, now continues with his selection as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA)—making him the first student from the University of Pittsburgh to receive a Fulbright placement in Azerbaijan.

Michael’s Fulbright award is part of the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program, designed to foster mutual understanding and collaboration between nations. As a Fulbright recipient, Michael joins an elite group of alumni that includes Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and global leaders.

This honor is just one of many that Michael has recently received. Within the span of a single year, he has earned an extraordinary eight national-level scholarships. Among them:

• The Boren Scholarship from the U.S. Department of Defense for advanced Turkish studies

• The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) for immersive language learning

• A coveted summer fellowship with the American Research Institute in Türkiye, held at Boğaziçi Üniversitesi—known as the “Harvard of Türkiye”

Michael’s exceptional achievements reflect not only his academic excellence and international leadership, but also the core values of service, determination, and initiative that define the Eagle Scout legacy.

On behalf of the entire NESA – Pittsburgh Chapter, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Michael and celebrate this inspiring milestone in his journey.

SipperFulbrightScholar_5132025.pdf

Contact:
National Eagle Scout Association – Pittsburgh Chapter
secretary@nesa-pgh.org
www.nesa-pgh.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
NESA Pittsburgh – Laurel Highlands Council
secretary@nesa-pgh.org
Nov. 26th, 2025

Ronald N. Herring Jr. Receives Distinguished Eagle Scout Award

PITTSBURGH, PA – The National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Pittsburgh Chapter and the Laurel Highlands Council are proud to announce that Ronald N. Herring Jr. has been the recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA)— the most prestigious of honors granted by Scouting America, formally, the Boy Scouts of America. Herring was formally recognized at the 2024 Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner held at Acrisure Stadium on November 26, 2024.

The DESA is awarded to Eagle Scouts who have achieved extraordinary success in their professional lives and demonstrated significant voluntary service to their communities, at least 25 years after earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Fewer than 2,000 individuals have ever received this national distinction.

A Legacy of Leadership, Innovation, and Service

Ron Herring earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1977 with Troop 86 in Marlboro, NJ (Monmouth County Council), where he was also a member of the Order of the Arrow. He earned his Arrow of Light in Pack 155. 

Ron earned a BS degree with a marketing concentration from Montclair State University in 1983. After graduation, Ron went to work for Mine Safety Appliances Company [now MSA Safety Inc. (NYSE: MSA)J where he spent his entire career (nearly 35 years). Starting as a sales trainee, Ron advanced rapidly, earning his MBA from Rider University and setting a corporate sales record for 9 consecutive years. Ron earned his MBA from Rider University in 1988.

He has embodied the values of Scouting throughout an exceptional 35-year career with MSA Safety Inc., the global leader in the development and manufacture of industrial health and safety equipment. MSA manufactures over 4000 different personal safety products, including self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) used by firefighters, head protection products like fire helmets and hard hats, portable and fixed gas detection instruments, as well as thermal imaging cameras and fall protection equipment. MSA is the world's largest company dedicated solely to making safety equipment that protects first responders and people in the workplace. 

His ability to build and lead teams made him a standout in product development and innovation, eventually rising to become Vice President, Global Product Leadership, and President of MSA's International Operations.

Among Ron’s most significant professional contributions:

• 9/11 Emergency Response: As Director of Marketing, Herring spearheaded MSA’s rapid response to the 9/11 attacks, coordinating the delivery of critical protective gear to Ground Zero and working with OSHA and local unions to establish a safety training facility adjacent to the World Trade Center site.

• Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH): Under his leadership, MSA scaled production of the ACH for the U.S. Army, credited with saving lives during the Iraq War and earning the Army’s “Best Product of the Year” award.

• Life-Saving Product Innovations: Herring oversaw the development of the Altair multi-gas detector, Evolution thermal imaging camera, and the G1 SCBA with integrated thermal imaging—all of which have saved countless lives of workers and first responders.

• Chilean Mine Rescue: MSA’s V-Gard hard hats, globally promoted under Herring’s guidance, gained iconic status during the 2010 rescue of 33 Chilean miners—two of which now reside in the Smithsonian’s permanent collection.

Professional Legacy Continued

In 1992, Ron moved to Pittsburgh to become MSA's Nuclear Industry Specialist and Product Line Manager for supplied-air respirators. Ron advanced from Product Line Manager (1992-95) to Product Group Manger (1996-99) and then to Director of Marketing at MSA's Safety Products Division (2000-03). His ability to foster teamwork among the various parts of the MSA organization set Ron apart from others and showcased his abilities as an Eagle scout. As MSA's Director of Marketing, Ron led MSA's response to the 9-11 terrorist attacks. Within 24 hours of the planes hitting the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center, Ron and his marketing team arranged for the shipment of 3 trailer truck loads of MSA personal safety products to be on their way from the Murrysville manufacturing facility in Pittsburgh to ground zero In New York City, as well as the Pentagon in Washington DC. These safety products included hard hats, respirators, and safety glasses. Many of the workers in the iconic 9-11 photo of President Bush at ground zero are wearing MSA's donated personal safety products (see attached picture). The firefighter to the right of President Bush is wearing an MSA cairns fire helmet and has an MSA Advantage Respirator around his neck. The firefighter on the left is holding an MSA V-Gard hard hat and a pair of MSA Safety glasses.

During his tenure as General Manager of MSA’s Safety Products Division, Ron Herring led the production of the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) for the U.S. Army, a life-saving innovation widely credited with protecting American soldiers in combat. Under his leadership, MSA scaled from producing 13,000 helmets in 2003 to over 400,000 by 2005, helping the ACH become the Army’s standard combat helmet.

Promoted to Vice President of Innovation and later Global Product Leadership, Ron oversaw MSA’s R&D and marketing teams worldwide. His leadership drove innovations like the Altair multi-gas detector, XCell sensors, and the Evolution thermal imaging camera, tools that have directly saved lives in industries ranging from firefighting to oil and gas. He also initiated development of the G1 SCBA, a breakthrough breathing apparatus for firefighters with integrated thermal imaging—now the top-selling SCBA in the U.S.

One of Ron’s proudest moments was helping launch MSA’s global brand presence. He transformed the iconic V-Gard hard hat into an internationally recognized safety symbol. The V-Gard gained worldwide recognition in 2010 when all 33 rescued Chilean miners emerged wearing them—two of which are now in the Smithsonian Museum.

Under Ron’s product leadership, MSA achieved a milestone where over 30% of annual revenue stemmed from products launched within the prior three years, earning the 2007 Outstanding Corporate Innovator Award.

In 2011, Ron was named President of MSA Europe and led the sweeping Europe 2.0 initiative, unifying 14 European divisions under one management structure. This transformation significantly improved profitability and led to his appointment as President of MSA International, where he oversaw operations across Europe, the Middle East, India, Russia, and the Caspian Region.

In his final years with MSA, Ron directed a global team of 2,000 employees, delivering strong performance across revenue, profitability, and working capital. Though considered for the role of CEO, Ron chose to retire in 2018 after 35 years of transformational leadership, leaving behind a powerful legacy of innovation, service, and global impact.

Commitment to Scouting and Community

In Scouting, Ron has served as Cubmaster, Webelos Leader, Troop Committee Member, merit badge counselor, and mentor to many Eagle Scouts—including his two sons. He chaired the NESA Pittsburgh Chapter from 2019–2022 and continues to serve Scouting in leadership and development roles. He received the Silver Beaver Award in 2021 and the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award in 2018.

Outside of Scouting, Ron continues to shape his community through service on the boards of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz School of Business, and various corporate and civic advisory groups.

About the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award

Established in 1969, the DESA recognizes Eagle Scouts who have achieved distinction in their careers and public service. Nominees must be Eagle Scouts for at least 25 years and are reviewed by a national committee of fellow DESA recipients.

Ron Herring joins a distinguished group whose careers and character exemplify the highest ideals of Scouting.

Media Contact:
secretary@nesa-pgh.org
Visit: https://nesa-pgh.org/blog for more on Ron Herring and other award recipients.

Harry Kunze Honored with NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
NESA Pittsburgh
secretary@nesa-pgh.org

Harry Kunze Honored with NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA)
Pittsburgh, PA — Nov 26, 2025 — Harry Kunze, a dedicated Eagle Scout and community leader, has been awarded the prestigious NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) by the Laurel Highlands Council, Scouting America & Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA). The NOESA honors Eagle Scouts who have distinguished themselves through exceptional achievement and service at the local, regional, or national level.

About Harry Kunze
A lifelong Eagle Scout and son of Scouting, Harry Kunze has built an impressive career as the retired President & CEO of Safety Works and the Coalition for Christian Outreach (CCO). He currently leads Sapientia LLC, where he specializes in board development and leadership consulting. Through these roles, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional excellence, ethical leadership, and community service.

Harry Kunze was born in Pittsburgh, and grew up in the North Hills, where his Scouting journey began with Pack 294 and continued with Troop 329 at Memorial Park Church in McCandless. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout on October 5, 1975, and spent many formative summers at Camp Semiconon.

A 1976 graduate of North Allegheny High School, Harry lettered in swimming and cross country all four years. He went on to earn a degree in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University in 1980, concentrating in fluid and solid mechanics.

Harry began his professional career at ALCOA before joining MSA Safety in 1981. Over the course of 35 years with MSA, he advanced from design engineer to senior leadership roles, earning two U.S. patents and spearheading several transformative projects in product development, market strategy, and corporate growth—including the landmark acquisition of General Monitors and the creation of MSA’s global corporate strategy.

He later served as President & CEO of Safety Works, a joint venture between MSA and MCR Safety, where he successfully led the business through integration, growth, and its eventual sale in 2016. Today, Harry is the founder and president of Sapientia LLC, a management consulting firm supporting nonprofits, ministries, and small businesses with strategic planning and implementation.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Harry is deeply committed to service. He is Chair of the Board of the Coalition for Christian Outreach, a board member of the Provident Agency, a long-time elder at Bellefield Presbyterian Church, and a Church Vitality Coach for local congregations. A lifelong athlete, Harry continues to compete as a Masters swimmer.

About the Award
Established in 2010 to mark the 100th anniversary of Scouting America, the NOESA recognizes Eagle Scouts whose accomplishments extend far beyond their youth Scouting service. It celebrates those who excel in their professions, serve their communities, and uphold the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law.

Recognition Ceremony
At the Laurel Highlands Council’s 2024 Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner on November 26, 2024, held at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Harry Kunze was formally presented with the NOESA alongside fellow honoree Ronald Schmiedel.

What This Means
Receiving the NOESA reflects Harry’s lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and excellence. It highlights his impact as a role model who continues to live out Scouting values in every stage of life.

Ronald Schmiedel Honored with NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
NESA Pittsburgh
secretary@nesa-pgh.org

Ronald Schmiedel Honored with NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award
Pittsburgh, PA — Nov 26, 2025 — Ronald Schmiedel, a lifelong educator and devoted Scouter, has been awarded the prestigious NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award (NOESA) by the Laurel Highlands Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The NOESA recognizes Eagle Scouts whose distinguished service brings honor to the principles of Scouting through local, regional, or national impact.

About Ronald Schmiedel
Born in Pittsburgh in 1954, and raised in Gibsonia, Ron earned his Eagle Scout rank on April 9, 1972, as a member of Troop 85. Known affectionately as “Archie” on camp staff for his vibrant red hair, Ron spent many formative summers at Camp Tionesta, even leading week-long canoe trips down the Allegheny River.

Ron devoted 42 years to education at Pine-Richland High School, first as an industrial arts teacher and later as a passionate advocate for gifted education. He inspired thousands of students through engineering programs, coaching roles, and mock trial sponsorships before becoming the district’s Gifted Facilitator—a position he held for over 30 years. His leadership in gifted education extended statewide through his involvement with the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education (PAGE), where he served on the board for over a decade, led statewide conferences, and helped shape state-level policy and gifted program development.

In 2023, PAGE honored Ron with the Neuber-Pregler Award, its highest recognition for dedicated service to gifted education.

A tireless servant to Scouting, Ron has continued his involvement as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 329, Wood Badge Course Director (N4-527-16), and a leader within the Laurel Highlands Council Board of Directors. He has received the Seneca District Award of Merit (2011), the Silver Beaver Award (2015), and is a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow.

About the Award
The NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award was established in 2010 to recognize Eagle Scouts who have distinguished themselves through service, leadership, and achievement in their professional fields or communities. Recipients are nominated by their local council and represent the best of what Eagle Scouts aspire to be.

Recognition Ceremony
Ronald Schmiedel was honored at the 2024 Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner hosted by the Laurel Highlands Council at Acrisure Stadium, alongside fellow recipient Harry Kunze.

What This Means
Receiving the NOESA reflects Harry’s lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and excellence. It highlights his impact as a role model who continues to live out Scouting values in every stage of life.

Congratulations on achieving the coveted rank of Eagle Scout. You have just begun your life journey and with the skills and character you’ve developed in Scouting, you have a solid foundation to build upon. As a future leader, Eagle Scouts like you, are critical to preserving the fabric of our great nation.

The National Eagle Scout Association is proud to offer scholarships that can help you continue your educational adventure.

Applications open on December 1st at NESA.ORG/SCHOLARSHIPS

At last night's Pittsburgh NESA Membership Meeting & Social, it was announced that Ron Herring is to receive the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award at this year's Laurel Highlands Council Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner on November 26th at Acrisure Stadium. This award ceremony will be a rare and special event this is a National level award. 

The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award is NESA's highest honor. It is the most prestigious Eagle Scout related award, having only been awarded to just over 2,000 since it was established in 1969. It is awarded to an Eagle Scout who has achieved extraordinary national-level recognition, fame, or eminence within their profession and/or service to the nation and has a strong record of voluntary service to their community. Stringent criteria begin with a minimum of 25 years “Time in Service” from the official record date an Eagle rank was earned.  That requirement was determined by the average time most nominees need to establish a career, earn peer recognition, awards, fame/eminence, and other factors that are considered for DESA selection.   

This award is presented on a National level, not at a local Council or NESA Chapter level, however, nominations for the DESA Award can be made at the local level. A committee comprised of Distinguished Eagle Scouts carefully reviews all nominations and determines selections. When time permits, the committee may provide feedback on nominations that may receive further, future consideration.

Ron Herring spent his entire career at Mine Safety Appliances Company (now MSA-The Safety Company).  He started in 1983 as a sales rep in New Jersey in MSA's Safety Products Division and worked his way up to being its Vice-President, General Manager.  When the Safety Products Division was combined with MSA’s Instrument Division, Ron was promoted to Vice-President, Global Product Leadership where he served for 5 years as MSA’s Chief Technology and Chief Marketing Officer.  Ron then moved to Europe to become President of MSA’s International operations in Europe, the Middle East, India, Russia and the Caspian Region, and after 4 years, he became Senior Vice-President, and President of all of MSA’s International operations outside of North and South America.  In 2016 Ron moved back to the Pittsburgh area and retired from MSA in October, 2017 after over 34 years with the company.

Ron Herring became an Eagle Scout in 1977 as a member of Troop 86 (Chingarora District) in Marlboro, NJ (Monmouth County Council) after having earned his Arrow of Light in P155. He attended Philmont Scout Ranch as a youth and was a member of the Order of the Arrow.  In 1998 Ron became the Cubmaster of P161 for 2 years in the Greater Pittsburgh Council.  After that, he was a committee member of P161 for 2 years and then the Webelos Den Leader for another 2 years.  When his two sons joined T17 he ran the citizenship merit badges for the troop, was involved in the venture crew, and served as an Eagle Scout sponsor for several boys.  In 2004-05, he served as the Community FOS chair for 2 years in the Japeechen District.  He also served on the Board of the Greater Pittsburgh Council for a year in 2010-11 before he moved to Berlin.  His sons Robert and James are both Eagle Scouts.

Last week, Nick Andreychek and his team at Ergon, Inc. dispatched a volunteer force to Tennessee and North Carolina to provide meals for folks in some of the communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

In the course of 2 days they prepared, cooked, and served over 3,200 meals to those in need. 

"I am proud of the great group of co-workers, customers and friends who came out and the work we did and humbled by the devastation Helene caused and the conditions those communities are working through. I lost count of how many “thank you’s” with tears in peoples eyes we got - what we were doing was simple but so appreciated and needed. I’m proud to work for a company like Ergon, Inc. who understands the value of helping communities and the impact it has for the people in them." - Nick Andreycheck

Nick is a Pittsburgh NESA member, earning his Eagle Scout Rank from Troop 210 in Whitehall, PA. We are tremendously proud of Nick and his team for displaying the highest values of Scouting and for living the example of the Eagle Scout Oath. 

If you know of other Pittsburgh-area Eagle Scouts in action, please contact Secretary@nesa-pgh.org. 

NOW: Accepting nominations for the Adams Award thru January 31st, 2025.

Do you know of extraordinary Eagle Scout Service Project that has been completed as of January 31st, 2024? Submit your nomination! Link to PDF nomination form available on our Adams Award page

The Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council, is proud to announce that Ron Herring will be honored with the prestigious Distinguished Eagle Scout Award at the Annual Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award is the highest recognition given by the Boy Scouts of America, presented to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and achievement in their professional and personal lives, embodying the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Ron Herring, Jr. has been nominated for this esteemed award based on his outstanding contributions to business, community service, and leadership within the Scouting movement. With over 30 years of dedication to Scouting, Ron's impact has reached far beyond the local community, extending globally through his work with MSA, a leading manufacturer of industrial health and safety equipment.

In 1977, Ron achieved the rank of Eagle Scout as a member of Troop 86 in Marlboro, NJ, and since then, he has consistently exemplified the principles of Scouting throughout his life. His commitment to community service and leadership was evident during his tenure as Cubmaster, Committee Member, Webelos Den Leader, and furthermore by contributing significantly to the development of future Eagle Scouts.

Ron's professional journey at Mine Safety Appliances Company (MSA), where he worked for nearly 35 years, showcased his exemplary leadership. Notably, as MSA's Director of Marketing, he played a pivotal role in the company's response to the 9-11 terrorist attacks, providing essential safety products to first responders at ground zero.

Under Ron's leadership, MSA achieved remarkable success in the development and production of safety equipment, including the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) for the U.S. Army. The ACH helmet, recognized for its life-saving impact in Desert Storm and Desert Shield, received accolades and became the standard for all combat troops.

Ron's influence extended beyond the United States as he served as President of MSA Europe, contributing to transformative changes in the company's European operations. His commitment to innovation and global collaboration led to MSA's significant market presence in critical safety product categories.

Apart from his professional achievements, Ron continued to serve Scouting even during his international assignments. His dedication to the Scouting movement is further highlighted by

his roles as the Friends of Scouting Chair, Laurel Highlands Council Board Member, and Chair of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Eagle Scout Association.

In his return to Pittsburgh, Ron resumed active involvement in charitable activities, contributing to organizations such as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the University of Pittsburgh's Katz School of Business, and of course the Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council.

Ted Rogers, Chairman of NESA Pittsburgh, expressed his enthusiastic support for Ron Herring, stating, "I fully recommend Ron Herring for the honor of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. While his accomplishments are many and impressive, the most incredible aspect of Ron's life is the impact he has had on the people around him."

The recognition of Ron Herring with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award is not only a tribute to his individual accomplishments but also a celebration of the positive influence he has exerted on the scouting community, the city of Pittsburgh, and the global safety industry.

More information on the Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council, National Eagle Scout Association or the Annual Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner can be found at www.lhcscouting.org or by contacting Mike Daniher, at Mike.Daniher@scouting.org or 412-782-2669.

Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council, has been the foremost youth-serving organization in our community that develops character, citizenship, and fitness. For over 110 years, it has been our mission to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Laurel Highlands Council serves over 10,000 youth and 4,000 volunteer adult leaders throughout its multi-state footprint serving Western Pennsylvania, Western Maryland, and parts of West Virginia, making it one of the largest councils in the Boy Scouts of America.

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