Jun 17, 2016 3 min read

For the bomber pilot, tennis devotee and Truman-era legal eagle, it was better than a cake with 93 candles.

“I accept this honor with a great amount of gratitude,” Charles Keller said Thursday evening at Hilton Garden Inn, Southpointe.

On the eve of his 93rd birthday, Keller was presented with his half of the Southpointe CEO Association’s annual World Class CEO award – one he shared with Douglas Lee, president of Waynesburg University and a fellow attorney.

This was the first time there were co-winners since the award was instituted in 2003. Stephanie Urchick, executive director of the CEO group, said the honor recognizes individuals who have had an impact on business in the region.

The 2016 recipients were roundly celebrated – with standing ovations – by an audience of about 100.

The man who, with Ralph Peacock, founded Peacock Keller and Ecker LLP in 1950, had to deal with an aching hip that limited his mobility. But that did not compromise his robust voice and rich sense of humor.

“One of my partners, John Rodgers, asked if I was going to be long-winded. I promised I wouldn’t be,” said Keller, senior counsel of his firm, who spoke briefly from his dinner table.

He held the mic long enough to praise the developers of Southpointe. “This development has been remarkable indeed. This and the business park in Cranberry Township (Cranberry Business Park) have changed the face of Western Pennsylvania.”

Urchick and CEO association colleague Phillip Binotto, chairman of the group, had lofty praise for Keller – an attorney since 1949 who still goes into the office.

“I’ve been practicing law in Washington County for 40-some years, and one of the first lawyers I met was Charlie Keller,” said Binotto, of the firm Steptoe & Johnson. “When it comes to young attorneys, his door is always open and he never makes you feel like you’re bothering him.

“He’s firm and stern, but he never crosses the line when it comes to professionalism.”

Urchick said of the World War II pilot and Rotarian for 65 years, “Rotary International’s motto is ‘Service Above Self.’ That fits Charlie Keller to a T.”

Lee is a local guy who has been president of his alma mater for almost exactly three years. He graduated from Charleroi Area High School in 1977 and Waynesburg U. in 1981. Lee was a Steptoe & Johnson attorney for nearly two decades before returning to the university as executive vice president in 2009, and eventually assuming the presidency July 1, 2013.

During his regime, Waynesburg U. has been recognized nationally for the economic outcomes of its graduates and is undergoing a $23 million revitalization of Paul R. Stewart Science Hall.

He, like his fellow honoree, displayed a sharp wit.

“Mr. Keller, congratulations, sir,” Lee started. “It’s an honor to share this award with you. The CEO association had the good sense to pick two attorneys.”

Pointing to the table where he had been seated, Lee asked: “Why am I here? It’s the people to my left, the officials, staff and students of Waynesburg University. I love the university with all my heart and soul. The only things I love more are God and my family.”

Lee and Keller were not the only individuals to be feted. Southpointe CEO Association again presented a $2,500 academic scholarship to two students: recent South Fayette High graduate Evan Vent, who will attend Westminster College and play basketball; and Hannah Snowberger, a rising junior at Stephen F. Austin State University.