Who: Stephen A. Zappala Jr.
Age: 56
Residence: Fox Chapel
Occupation: Allegheny County district attorney
Influential because: As the county's chief law enforcement officer since 1998, Zappala oversees more than 200 employees — including more than 100 attorneys, detectives, crime scene analysts and support staff. If the District Attorney's Office were a law firm, it would rank among the top 10 in the area in size.
Influential initiative: Zappala recently announced plans to establish an “integrity unit” in his office to ensure the accountability of county law enforcement agencies. The unit will advise municipal police departments, offering resources for training, best practices for collecting evidence and using technology.
Influential squabble: Zappala has clashed with Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto's administration over leaks by the police bureau during the recent investigation into a double homicide in East Liberty.
Influential education: Zappala is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and the Duquesne University School of Law.
Influential experience: Before becoming district attorney, Zappala worked as an associate at the law firms of Grogan, Graffam, McGinley & Lucchino and Dattilo, Barry, Fasulo & Cambest. He also was a partner at Brucker, Zappala, Schneider & Porter.
Influential ascension: Zappala initially was appointed district attorney by 22 county judges to succeed former DA Robert Colville, who stepped down when he became a judge.
Influential adversary: Former Allegheny County Coroner Dr. Cyril Wecht has accused Zappala of prosecuting his family's political enemies, a charge Zappala has denied. Wecht blames Zappala for federal prosecutors once charging him for mixing his county duties and his private practice. Wecht was never convicted of any charges in the case.
Influential lineage: Zappala is the son of former Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephen A. Zappala and grandson of the late Frank J. Zappala, an attorney, magistrate and legislator.
Influential family: Zappala has a wife, Mary, and four sons.
Influential quote: “We think we should, or we can be, doing better than we're doing now.” — Zappala in announcing plans for the integrity unit.
— compiled by Trib Total Media staff
