ADAMS TWP — After a monthlong search, township supervisors announced Monday, May 12, that they had hired their next township manager.

Michael Tylka, who previously served as planning director for the Centre Region Council of Governments in Centre County, was chosen as the next manager from a pool of dozens of candidates. Tylka will replace former township manager Gary Peaco, who retired from his position in March.

Michael Tylka, the new manager of Adams Township. Submitted photo

“I am excited for the role with Adams Township and in becoming a resident of the township and Butler County,” Tylka said. “I look forward to meeting the many residents, business owners, volunteers and officials that will be new to me.”

The hiring of Tylka was made official at the supervisors meeting.

“We did an extensive interview with the gentleman, and after that interview, we really, really liked him,” said Supervisor Russell Ford. “We ran him through a day’s worth of interviews. Everybody 100% thought he was a great candidate.”

“We had a large number of candidates (who) applied for the job,” said fellow Supervisor Darryl Brandon. “Mike quickly rose to the top of the of the pile for his qualifications. And when we had the chance to talk to him, it was unanimous. Everybody in this building got to talk to him, and I think we've got a very, very qualified candidate.”

Although Tylka will come over from a government organization based in Centre County, he says he grew up in the area surrounding Adams Township.

“I grew up and lived in neighboring Allegheny County for 27 years,” Tylka said. “In an early professional role, I worked in the Cranberry and North Hills commercial corridors.”

Tylka has been all over the country as part of his professional career, and will be moving closer to home with his new position in Adams Township. In addition to serving Centre County, he has held professional positions in Brighton, Colo., Cheyenne, Wyo., and Coralville, Iowa.

“With any new employer there will be differences, but my experience working in growing municipalities has equipped me with the ability to conscientiously balance the needs of new and established residents, while ensuring responsible resource management and responsiveness to community goals,” Tylka said.

Tylka’s first official day on the job will be May 27. He will be formally introduced at the next supervisors meeting June 9.

There will be no second meeting held in May due to Memorial Day.