KURT GINGRICH

Kurt Gingrich is the Corporate Partnership Manager for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

1. Are you from Pittsburgh? Have you ever lived anywhere else? 

Yes. I spent almost four years in Washington, DC, after college at Penn State, then I returned home for my current role with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2. Why did you choose to make Southwest PA your home?

It’s where I was born and raised. My family and closest friends are all still here, and the opportunity to represent the Steelers is a childhood dream come true.

3. Tell us a little about your family. 

I’m the oldest of three boys. My two brothers are in Pittsburgh as well, and my parents continue to live in the home we all grew up in.

4. How did you choose the career you’re in today?

I got involved with the Penn State athletic department my freshman year, and my internship with the athletic department led to getting a role on the recruiting support staff with the football program. College football recruiting is, in my opinion, one of the most competitive sales environments in the country. Supporting those efforts helped me grow an understanding of building relationships and how to showcase the Penn State brand. My work at Penn State helped me land a summer internship with the Steelers marketing department, where I was exposed to some work with the corporate partnerships team. I found a lot of the work you get to do in corporate partnerships reminded me of my work at Penn State. I knew from that point on I wanted to pursue opportunities in corporate partnerships.

5. What do you love most about your job?

I get to represent the Pittsburgh Steelers. I’m from here and I have such a strong sense of loyalty to our brand. I understand what moves the needle with our fans and the community—it just comes naturally to me. It’s fun to go to work each day with the opportunity to develop partnerships with brands while thinking, “Is this something that would grab my family’s attention? How about my friends?” 

6. What is something people might now know about you?

One of my closest friends and I had dreams of being sports journalists in high school. Our senior year, we ran the sports report for North Allegheny’s newspaper and TV station, which coincided with the Steelers’ trip to Super Bowl XLV. With some help from local sports reporters, we secured press passes to NFL Media Day at AT&T Stadium in Texas. It was an amazing experience and taught me at an early age to always shoot big and see what comes of it.

7. What is your favorite book or TV show and why?

Ted Lasso. Ted’s positivity and humor from show to show always leave me feeling inspired to be more like him. 

8. What is your favorite book or TV show and why?

I love to golf. I’ve played since I was a kid and try to play two to three times a week. In the winter, I like to head up to Seven Springs to snowboard after a good snowfall.

9. Why do you think it’s so important to give back to your community?

It’s important to me because I care about others and the entirety of our community. Giving back regularly means I’m doing my part to keep our community moving forward.

10. Why do you volunteer with the United Way?

My parents instilled in me from a young age the importance of being a good neighbor and being involved in the community we call home. I believe in the work United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania does, and volunteering at the events provides me with the opportunity to support that impactful work.  

11. What is your favorite United Way memory?

Our 2019 Huddle for the Holidays event at Heinz Field was an awesome experience. It was during my first year with the Steelers and I was able to build stronger relationships with members of the Steelers organization who volunteered alongside me and other United Way volunteers.