Casimir Sienkiewicz
Casimir Anthony Sienkiewicz | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Białystok, Congress Poland |
| Died | June 24, 1974 (aged 81) Doylestown, Pennsylvania, US |
| Occupation(s) | Economist, banking executive, artist |
| Known for | First chairman of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) |
Casimir Anthony Sienkiewicz (born July 1, 1892, in Białystok, Congress Poland – died June 24, 1974, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, US) was a distinguished Polish-American economist and banking executive who immigrated to the United States in 1906. He notably served as the inaugural chairman of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).
Biography
After earning his degree from Princeton University in 1919, Sienkiewicz provided counsel to governmental bodies at the federal, state, and municipal levels and was actively engaged in community leadership. Beyond his financial pursuits, he was recognized as an accomplished impressionist artist. He was married to Jane (Patton) Sienkiewicz and had three sons: John C., Wilbur P., and Michael A. Sienkiewicz.
Beginning his career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia in 1919, he advanced to vice president with responsibilities spanning research, statistics, and public relations. Between 1945 and 1946, he participated on a bipartisan committee focused on post-war policies for the United States House of Representatives.
In 1947, he assumed the presidency of Central-Penn National Bank in Philadelphia and later held the roles of chairman and CEO. His leadership extended to presiding over the Pennsylvania Bankers Association and representing the Federal Reserve's third district on the Federal Advisory Council from 1958 until 1960.
During the early 1960s, Sienkiewicz chaired the Philadelphia Passenger Service Improvement Corporation. In 1964, he was appointed as SEPTA’s first chairman, overseeing one of the largest urban transit systems in the country. His leadership period included a state-conducted audit of SEPTA’s financial management.
To honor his impact on finance and public service, a historical marker was installed in 2006 by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission at his longtime residence in Doylestown.
Philanthropic and civic affairs activities
Throughout the 1950s, he served on both the executive committee and board of trustees for the United Fund, leading its 1958 fundraising campaign. From 1963 to 1965, he directed efforts for the building fund at Jefferson Medical College and Medical Center. Additionally, he held board positions with the Associated Hospital Service of Philadelphia (Blue Cross) and Solebury School, acted as vice chair for Doylestown’s Tabor Home for Children board, and chaired the Doylestown Borough Authority.
Death and funeral
Sienkiewicz passed away at age eighty-one in Doylestown, Pennsylvania on June 24, 1974. His funeral service was conducted on June 28 at the Presbyterian Church located in Doylestown.