Middlesex manager looking ahead to future, back to past experience
A veteran in the field of municipal management, Middlesex Township’s new manager says he’s already “excited about the opportunity” to work with the township.
Jeff Winkle, who was selected to take on the role at a Middlesex Township meeting last Wednesday, previously served as director of planning and code administration in Pine Township, Allegheny County.
Winkle will start no later than Oct. 3, filling the role left empty after the resignation of previous manager Adam Hartwig, who accepted a job with Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Inc. at the end of June. Township administrator and secretary Marla Klabnik said the township worked with the Allegheny League of Municipalities and consultant Jerry Andree to help find and select a final candidate for manager.
“Middlesex has had lots of development in the current time frame, and I'm sure they will have additional development proposed,” Winkle said. “I have a number of years’ experience throughout a number of municipalities and local governments, and (in) understanding how the process works to manage that growth and help guide it for the betterment of the overall community.”
A Beaver County resident, Winkle spent a good chunk of his career as director of community development, planning, building and codes for Cranberry Township as it grew as a region. He worked there for more than 16 years, beginning in 1990. When it comes to development in Middlesex, Winkle says he’s feeling a little bit of déjà vu.
“The similarities are there, from when I began my career at Cranberry Township; it was very similar to the stage that Middlesex Township is in right now,” he said. “There was a lot of learning. I learned a lot of good ideas and ways to work with the community. There were great management and great mentors in Cranberry on the development part of it. I would like to then bring some of that forward.”
The world has changed a lot since he worked with Cranberry Township in the ’90s, he added.
“Things have changed over time and things are a little bit different, with how we’ve progressed as a society, with social media and electronics. Everything moves at a quicker pace, but I also feel skilled enough that I can help Middlesex adapt quickly to the changes,” he said. “But I will definitely rely on my previous 15-16 years at Cranberry.”
In his communication with Middlesex’s board of supervisors, Winkle found they value a balance of priorities.
“They are very passionate about the community. That shows, right up front,” he said. “They are engaged and want to see the community grow, in a good manner, and for the benefit of all the residents. I think they’re long-term residents of the community, the board members, and they also care about the history of the community, too. It's a good mix. They understand progress is going to happen, but they also understand the value of keeping a good home community.”
Winkle hopes to focus on making sure he and the township keep up with the pace of change.
“Some of the challenges are that things are moving quickly, so I will have to jump in there running, prepared to move quickly and to try to get up to speed as quickly as possible,” he said. “I have met with the staff there, and they are very nice and very engaged, and want to help me (catch up) as quickly as possible.”
Winkle spent 13 years working in management in the natural gas industry for the company TC Energy. He says his experiences in the public and private sector combined have been valuable.
“I do have that benefit of seeing it from both sides, how development, from housing to natural gas pipelines and wells, how that impacts the area and the land,” he said. “There are some things I can draw on from that experience, definitely.”
In terms of issues facing Middlesex, such as the struggle to find firefighting volunteers, Winkle hopes to look at townships that have successfully addressed similar issues as a guide.
“Finding volunteers for committees and boards and commissions is challenging today. People’s lives are very busy, and you’re asking them in some instances to give up some of their free time and their family time to be on a committee or fire department,” he said. “There are also success stories out there of communities that have a very active volunteer fire department. I will probably look to those communities and see what they did and what steps did they take to create this energy around the (company.)”
He also hopes to listen to the current fire company members and hear their perspective.
“I want to meet with the individuals who are currently there, and see what we can do to improve this and get more interest in it,” he said. “I will be happy to sit down and hear from them; I’m really interested in hearing their side of the story. We can talk about what we can do to improve things or just to enhance what maybe they’re already doing.”
Winkle’s last day with Pine Township will be Friday Sept. 23.
