I have had the privilege to work with many baton legends and experts such as Lynda Garland, Ron Kopas, Maureen Johnson and Paola diMarchi.

Source: https://www.columbiavalleypioneer.com/baton-twirler-recognized-for-commitment/

Kopas, a Democrat from Hempfield, served a decade as commissioner before he lost to Thrasher by about 200 votes in the 2019 election to claim the minority seat on the county board.

Source: https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-democrats-seek-to-refocus-commissioner-campaign-with-thrasher-out-of-the-race/

Kopas previously served two full terms as a county commissioner and left office after he was defeated in the 2019 election.

Source: https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/kopas-calls-for-cap-on-raises-for-westmoreland-elected-officials/