About Dan Onorato
Professional Background
After graduating from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1983, Dan Onorato worked for several years as a Certified Public Accountant. Wanting to further his education, Onorato attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where he earned a juris doctorate in 1989. He practiced as a private attorney until 1991, at which time he decided to enter public service.
Onorato was elected to Pittsburgh City Council in 1991 and re-elected in 1995. In 1999, he successfully ran for Allegheny County Controller where he utilized his private sector experience to curtail wasteful spending and fraud in County government. In 2003, Onorato launched a successful campaign for Office of the Chief Executive. In four years in office, Onorato has held the line on taxes, and balanced the budget while preserving the County's fund balance.
Family
Onorato is a life-long resident of Allegheny County. He grew up on Pittsburgh's North Side and attended North Catholic High School. He has fond memories of weekly Sunday meals in the Onorato household when his mother would cook traditional Italian dishes for all of their relatives.
Onorato and his wife, Shelly, reside in the Brighton Heights neighborhood of Pittsburgh with their children Kate, Emily and Danny. He spends most of his free time with his family, encouraging his children’s extra-curricular activities.
Accomplishments
When he took office as Chief Executive on January 2, 2004, Onorato brought a fresh approach to Allegheny County government. His background as a CPA and attorney gave him the strong management skills and fiscal discipline with which he effectively governs Pennsylvania’s second largest county. more.
