Andree, Shannon recognized with Distinguished Service Awards
PENN TWP — Two Butler County residents, each holding their own unique catalogs of volunteerism and community service, were recognized as the newest recipients of the Distinguished Service Award on Wednesday, May 14.
“The Distinguished Service Award is the most cherished and respected annual award presented in Butler County,” Millie Pinkerton, co-chairwoman of the award committee and member of the Butler Rotary Club PM said.
Jerry Andree, a retired Cranberry Township manager now involved with regional programs, and Hannah Shannon, a volunteer with Butler Downtown, Butler County Chamber of Commerce and Butler County Young Professionals, were chosen for their service and celebrated at the 74th Distinguished Service Awards dinner at Butler Country Club.
“Butler is such a giving community that this award just really brings it home how the individuals make such an impact in our community.” Tammy Schuey, general manager and publisher of the Butler Eagle and the event’s emcee, said.
Andree was recognized as the senior winner, a category designated for nominees older than 45. Shannon was recognized as the junior winner, for nominees 45 or younger.
T.J. McCance, last year’s junior recipient, was unable to present the award, so his words were shared by 2014 junior recipient Lyric Schnur.
“As I sat with Jerry asking about his family, his professional background and journey over these past 40 plus years, one theme came to mind time to time,” McCance’s speech said. “Jerry is a connector of talent and opportunity.”
Andree served as Cranberry Township manager for nearly 31 years until he retired in 2021. Due to his community involvement during a period of rapid growth, he became familiar with several regional programs.
Two such programs, the Cranberry Township Community Chest and Regional Learning Alliance, asked him to serve after his retirement. Since then, he serves on both boards of directors.
“His impact is significant and helped shape our community in a way that will last well beyond our lifetimes,” McCance’s speech said.
Previously, Andree has served with the Keystone Municipal Insurance Trust, Community Development Corporation of Butler County, Butler County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, state Department of Community and Economic Development, and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. He also taught local government classes to future municipal leaders through a government education and training program.
During his acceptance speech, he reminded the audience of his belief that we are all only six degrees of separation away from one another, and offered a few pieces of advice.
“I ask that you continue to ask one more question, maybe sideline or slow down the use of social media and to always accept an offer to continue the conversation over coffee,” Andree said.
Ann Baglier, last year’s senior recipient, made light of Shannon’s long and varied list of community service she’s achieved.
“I met Hannah for the first time about a week ago, and I cannot tell you how impressed I was to meet her,” Baglier said.
Shannon has worked for NexTier Bank since 2012. She has served on the Butler Downtown board since 2021, with some major contributions being the revival of Foodie Fridays and helping to organize Sips in the City.
She is also a Class of 2020 alumni, now mentor, in the Butler County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Butler County program. Her class raised over $50,000 for an accessible kayak launch at Moraine State Park and helped to install it, a point Baglier highlighted.
“One of the things that makes it so exceptional is that Leadership Butler County class, because it was during COVID … it was at least cut in half,” Baglier said. “So with half the manpower, they raised more than they needed to put this in. That’s a heck of an accomplishment.”
Previously, Shannon also served on the Saxonburg Historical and Restoration Commission, which led her to becoming venue coordinator for Roebling Park and Cooper Hall in Saxonburg and event and vendor coordinator for the Saxonburg festival of the arts.
She currently volunteers for the United Way’s Week of Caring with the Armstrong County Habitat for Humanity and Build-A-Bike events, Helping All Victims in Need’s 2nd Chance Shop and the Center for Community Resources’ Bundle Up Butler.
During her acceptance speech, Shannon thanked her family, friends and colleagues for their support.
“Without the friendships I formed, I would literally not be up here today, so thank you,” Shannon said. “I’m truly honored to accept this and be recognized and I cannot wait to see what I do with Butler County in the future.”
