Lancaster Township welcomes new manager
LANCASTER TWP -- Lancaster Township officially welcomed Mary Hess as its new manager at its board of supervisors meeting Monday evening, Oct. 23.
In addition to township manager, Hess also will assume the duty of township secretary, treasurer, zoning officer, codes official, open records officer, floodplain administrator, and roadmaster.
The hiring of Hess ended the township’s six-week search for a new township manager to replace C. Michael Foote, who resigned in late August. During this process, according to board chair Greg Kessler, the township received resumes from 12 candidates,, and three received interviews.
Hess is also a member of the Zelienople borough council, where she serves as the council president. She also serves on the Butler County Planning Commission and has owned several business, including her current venture, Blue Baron Construction.
The township’s board of supervisors spoke highly of Hess’s credentials.
“I think what we liked most about Mary was her 15 years of experience in municipal government. Not just at the local level, but involved with the county. She has experience in grant writing, and she’s a business owner,” Kessler said. “I think those were the big takeaways from the board of supervisors and myself that allowed us to make that decision.”
Hess was present at Monday’s meeting and introduced herself to a packed audience at the municipal building, promising she would serve the township well.
“I've taken some time to try to understand how everyone feels here,” Hess said. “I look forward to meeting all of you, and I believe we will start off well. So come and talk to me and bring up your concerns. I want to hear them.”
Despite one citizen expressing concern there would be a conflict of interest between her duties in Zelienople and her duties in Lancaster, Hess assured residents that this would not be the case.
“I want you to know that this position takes priority,” Hess said.
