About US

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August R. Carlino is the president and managing partner of Acorn Hill Strategies, LLC.  His client base is extensive, having worked with National and State Heritage Areas, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and local governments.  In addition, Carlino is also the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Rivers of Steel Heritage Corporation (RSHC) based in Homestead, Pennsylvania.  His experience working with numerous organizations demonstrates that success depends on an effective organizational structure and a committed and active board and staff.  His team of partner consultants have all served as staff to nonprofit organizations and on boards at the national and community levels. 

Carlino has consulted with several nonprofit groups on strategic planning, board and organizational development, and fundraising.  Carlino was recognized in 2020 by a major foundation as one of Pittsburgh’s most effective nonprofit leaders.  In 2018, Smart Business Magazine named him as one of Pittsburgh’s Top 50 Business Leaders. In addition, Rivers of Steel has been recognized as one of the most successful National Heritage Areas in the United States under his leadership.

Carlino’s career began in Washington, DC, as a Legislative Director to Pittsburgh’s former Congressman William J. Coyne. He later joined the law firm of Jones Day, where he led lobbying initiatives in the fields of taxation, banking, environment, urban affairs, and foreign affairs.

In 1998, Carlino was invited by President Bill Clinton to appear with him at a White House ceremony to deliver the keynote speech on the importance of America’s rivers in community revitalization and economic development. In 2002, President George W. Bush named Carlino to serve on a presidential committee of the U.S. Department of Interior, overseeing the future role of the National Park Service, working with partners and community organizations on National Heritage Areas.  

In 2000, Carlino was awarded the Sen. H. John Heinz Award for Distinguished Community Service. In 1997, former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge named him to serve on the Pennsylvania Greenways Commission, and in 2010 former Governor Ed Rendell inducted him into the Pennsylvania Heritage Hall of Fame.