For Immediate Release

Public Relations Division
Public Affairs Department
1170 Eighth Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18016-7699
(610) 694-3711 - Phone
(610) 694-1509 - Fax

BETHLEHEM, Pa., October 9, 1996 -- The retirement of William E. Wickert Jr., vice president, Federal Government Affairs, for Bethlehem Steel Corporation, was announced here today by Curtis H. "Hank" Barnette, Bethlehem's chairman and chief executive officer. Mr. Wickert's retirement, effective October 31, concludes a career with Bethlehem Steel that began with his participation in the company's 1960 Loop Course management training program.

In commenting on Mr. Wickert's retirement, Mr. Barnette said: "Bill has represented Bethlehem's interests in Washington for almost 30 years with extraordinary effectiveness and professionalism. He has worked with the Congress and seven Administrations on many of the issues that have been vital to Bethlehem and the entire American steel industry. Bill has attained a high level of respect with his peers and government officials at all levels. We are proud of the representation he has provided Bethlehem, and know that he will be greatly missed within Bethlehem Steel and the American steel industry."

Mr. Wickert worked initially in the community relations division of the company where he had the responsibility of following state legislative affairs for the corporation in Pennsylvania. He also handled governmental matters in other states where Bethlehem had operations.

In 1967, he was transferred to the Washington office of the Public Affairs Department to serve with its Federal Government Affairs division. He was appointed Manager in 1970, a title he retained when the division's responsibilities were expanded in 1984. He was appointed Vice President - Federal Government Affairs, in 1987, and was elected a corporate vice president April 28, 1993.

Mr. Wickert was born in Boston, Mass., and reared in Dundalk, Md., and South Pasadena, Calif. Following four years of service in the armed forces during the Korean War, he attended the University of Maryland, graduating from its College of Journalism in 1960. He also completed the Harvard Graduate School of Business Program for Management Development.

He is a member of the American Iron and Steel Institute and was chairman of its Government Relations Committee, and has been a member of the Business-Government Relations Council, the Executive Committee of the Economic Strategy Institute, Sigma Delta Chi, the Society of Professional Journalists, the Joint Automotive Supplier Governmental Action Council, the Pennsylvania Society of Washington, D.C., and the Harvard Business School Club of Washington, D.C.

Mr. Wickert is on the Board of Governors of the 1925 F Street Club, and is a member of Burning Tree Club, the Carlton Club, and the Congressional Country Club. He and his wife, Cheryl, will reside in White Stone, Va.