Humble.

Skilled.

Generous.

Gentleman.

Friend.

These are some of the words the Carbon County Commissioners used on Thursday to describe county solicitor Daniel Miscavige as they recognized him for being named Solicitor of the Year at the annual County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania awards banquet on Tuesday.

“He was taken by total surprise at the awards dinner,” Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein said, adding that they had to tell Miscavige a colleague was getting another award to get him to attend.

“We appreciate what you do,” Nothstein said, adding that Miscavige is one of 67 county solicitors in Pennsylvania.

Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard said that he has known Miscavige for many years both professionally and personally and said that Miscavige always puts others before himself.

Commissioner William O’Gurek commended Miscavige on the honor.

“It is well deserved,” he said. “He is skilled in the law and dealing with people. More than anything though, he is a gentleman, a devout Catholic, a family man and someone who helps anyone. He gives up his time, not only for county business but for anyone so he is a generous man as well.

“When they gave you that award,” O’Gurek added, “it comes not only as Solicitor of the Year, but also as Gentleman of the Year. Congratulations.”

In true form, Miscavige spoke more of those around him than of himself and his accomplishments when asked what this award means to him.

“It’s a very humbling experience but I think this speaks more to the county as a whole,” he said. “For a small sixth class county solicitor to be recognized by the County Commissioners Association, it’s really a reflection of the county. We’re very blessed in this county, not only our commissioners, but our administrative team, the offices, all of our officials. It’s the spirit of cooperation, the spirit of dialogue. We don’t have partisanship here. We have people who listen to both sides and decisions are made with the common good in mind.

“It’s a pleasure and a privilege working with everyone here,” he added.

Miscavige, a graduate of Elizabethtown College and Dickinson School of Law, has decades of experience practicing law. He is a partner in the law firm of Gillespie, Miscavige & Ferdinand LLC in Hazleton.

Miscavige is a member of the Pennsylvania and Carbon County Bar associations, and has served as chancellor of the Carbon County Bar Association. He presently serves as a member of the Community Service Committee and chair of the Fee Dispute Committee.

He is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania; Third Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.

In addition to serving as the county solicitor, a position he held since 2012, Miscavige had represented the Weatherly Area School District for well over 35 years and is currently the solicitor for Kidder Township and the Weatherly Borough Zoning Hearing Board and formerly advised Packer Township supervisors.

He and his wife, the former Donna Nagle, reside in Lehigh Township, with their beloved dog Tucker, and are the parents of three adult triplets.