Firm News

David A. Strassburger appointed the new Chief Diversity Officer of SMGG

May 12, 2023
David A. Strassburger

David A. Strassburger has been appointed the new Chief Diversity Officer of SMGG, taking over from partner Danielle L. Dietrich, who has successfully led our diversity initiatives since 2020.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion goes to the very heart of SMGG, which was founded over 100 years ago by two lawyers from different faith communities. As Chief Diversity Officer, David is stepping into a role that was created under his leadership as past president of SMGG. He has always taken a proactive role in protecting and advancing diversity in the firm and looks forward to continuing these efforts as Chief Diversity Officer.

“Danielle was an outstanding diversity officer. She led by example. I hope to follow in her path with the same vigor and commitment to education and positive outcomes for the betterment of SMGG.”

David’s innate respect for all was ingrained in him from an early age. He was raised with living examples of equality and respect in his stepmother, Dr. Phyllis Kitzerow, a successful Pittsburgh professor and researcher, and father, the Honorable Eugene (Gene) B. Strassburger, III, a Pennsylvania Superior Court judge and former attorney at SMGG. David’s father was renowned for his efforts in supporting the rights of women and the LGBT community when few people were speaking out on their behalf. As a young attorney, Judge Strassburger fought and won a discrimination case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that gender-segregated want
ads discriminated on the basis of sex. In his extended family, David’s uncle, E. J. Strassburger, successfully fought, as President of the Board of the ACLU Pittsburgh, for universities in Pittsburgh to give benefits to same sex partners. The Strassburgers also belonged to the Rodef Shalom Congregation of Pittsburgh, well-known for its focus on social justice. David is proud to carry on his family’s legacy of social responsibility and inclusion at SMGG.

David is a respected litigator, with over 25 years of experience advocating for his client, and currently chairs the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. He is also a member of the board of directors of two subsidiaries of ACTION-Housing, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides low-income people in our community with decent and affordable housing, essential supportive services, and educational and employment opportunities.

Firm President, Gretchen Moore, stated, “we are proud of all that the firm has achieved in diversity, equity, and inclusion under Danielle’s leadership, and we look forward to building on SMGG’s reputation as a leader in diversity with David at the helm.”