Longtime DA's spokesman resigns after more than 2 decades on the job

Mike Manko, the longtime spokesman for Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr., has left his position.

“Another opportunity presented itself, and the time is right,” said Manko, 58, of Scott.

He did not say what is next for him.

Manko joined the district attorney’s office in January 2000, when Zappala began his first term.

“Anything I say would be inadequate to express my thanks for Mike’s dedication and friendship during his more than 23 years in the office,” Zappala said in a statement.

Allegheny County Common Pleas Criminal Court Administrative Judge Jill E. Rangos said Manko will be missed.

“Mike was always available to assist with technology in the courtroom, which is especially important during the course of a proceeding,” Rangos said. “As a spokesperson, I believe he always attempted to portray a fair representation of matters involving the courts.”

Manko, a Robert Morris accounting major, began his professional career in radio in July 1986 — first at WCVI in Connellsville as news director. Less than a year later, he moved to WIXZ in East McKeesport, where he served as news director and program director.

Manko spent five years there before he went to WPXI — joining the assignment desk in January 1995.

Manko was known by the media for being almost immediately responsive to their questions. He also was known for updating his outgoing voicemail message daily, including a “this day in history” bit of trivia.

He said he particularly enjoyed doing community outreach with high school students, including educating them about the dangers of substance abuse. Manko worked extensively with the group Greenfield Organized Against Drugs.

Manko said he considers the work of the district attorney’s office to be essential.

“Every case is a high-profile case to somebody,” Manko said. “Despite the number of cases that come through each year, only a small segment of the population ever deals with the courthouse. As a result, very few people know how dedicated and passionate the people who work there are about their duties and their role as public servants.”