Britsburgh welcomes everyone to celebrate and commemorate the history, culture, and traditions of Great Britain and the Commonwealth of Nations. Our programs are 100% inclusive and designed to appeal to audiences from all economic, cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Britsburgh's board of directors and program planning groups are constantly seeking to expand to represent the wide range of communities found throughout the Pittsburgh region.

Much like the corner pub in Britain, our social activities are designed to be enjoyable, where everyone can seek new friendships, often in uniquely British settings. Britsburgh believes that invoking a sense of belonging is core to its mission and that if our friends, members, and supporters feel that they belong, we are on the right track.

Our Team

Roger  Cranville
Roger Cranville
Chairman and Co-Founder
Board and Executive Team
Roger, the brains behind our organization, has spent over 25 years in Pittsburgh and has, one way or another, been a big contributor to many communities in Pittsburgh.
Robert  Charlesworth
Robert Charlesworth
Co-Founder
Board and Executive Team
Past Chair and President. A CPA and FCA by day, Leeds native Robert Charlesworth passionately pursues opportunities for Pittsburgh to prosper from his work for the organization.
Kim  Szczypinski
Kim Szczypinski
Corporate Secretary
Board, Executive Team, and Audit Committee
Kim is Study Abroad Coordinator at Duquesne University. A native of Pittsburgh, she has traveled widely. She designed and led a World War I Centenary study tour to England, Belgium and France in 2015 that will repeat this year. She joined the Britsburgh Board in January 2018 and is leading its History Society this year.
Andy  Kirtland
Andy Kirtland
Membership Development
Board and Executive Team
Andy, a freelance actor and director, has worked with and directed productions with many Pittsburgh theatre companies, in addition to establishing his own (New Renaissance Theatre Company).
Michael  Archer
Michael Archer
Board and Executive Team
Michael, a retired engineer interested in travel, vintage cars, and music, is a member of the organizing executive committee and the board of directors.
Ron  Frank
Ron Frank
Board and Audit Committee
Ron, Past President, is a lifelong Pittsburgh resident who practices corporate and international law in Pittsburgh as a partner in Blank Rome LLP.
Carlos  Kearns
Carlos Kearns
Board and Government Relations
Carlos, Principal at CTK Global, works with UK universities seeking US partnerships, including many universities in the Pittsburgh region.
Alice   Passarell
Alice Passarell
Board and Executive Team
Lifetime resident of Pittsburgh. Daughter of Doreen who was an English war bride. Loves all things British including her English cousins that she is very close with and enjoy traveling together
Peter  Petracco
Peter Petracco
Board and Executive Team
Having deep family roots in the UK and Italy, Peter joined Britsburgh shortly after retirement and serves on the Executive Team as well as the Britsburgh Board.
Charles  Potter
Charles Potter
Treasurer
Board and Audit Committee
Chuck is a partner at Tucker Arnesburg LLP. He focuses his practice on federal, state, and local taxation.
Debbie  Gilbert
Debbie Gilbert
Board and Executive Team
Stephen  Shandor
Stephen Shandor
Marketing
Board and Executive Team
Now retired to Pittsburgh, Steve is an active member of Calvary Episcopal Church in East Liberty, volunteers as an ESL tutor for Literacy Pittsburgh, takes OSHER classes, and enjoys British culture and the arts.
Beth  Spatz
Beth Spatz
Board and Executive Team
John  Sylvester
John Sylvester
Board and Audit Committee Chair
John is a partner at the law firm K&L Gates, LLP, specializing in insurance coverage litigation, and his practice takes him to London on a regular basis.
Crystal  Alfonsi
Crystal Alfonsi
Executive Director
As Executive Director, Crystal brings together her love for the Steel City and her heritage to build community, celebrate culture, and make connections that feel like home.