Tom Merchel Resigns As Moorestown Manager For Second Time

MOORESTOWN, NJ — For the second time in a little over two years, Tom Merchel is relinquishing one of his two positions with Moorestown Township.

Merchel announced on Monday night that he is resigning as township manager, effective April 30. He will remain with the township as the chief financial officer (CFO), and will help council select the township’s next manager.

“Council expressed concern with having one person in two extremely demanding positions long-term,” Merchel said during Monday’s council meeting. “I can’t say I disagree with them. They left it up to me which position I want to serve in. As township manager I do well, but I don’t wish to remain there.”

Merchel said his passion and his training remain with the CFO position, but council members emphasized that they believe Merchel excels in both positions.

“He does a tremendous job in both roles,” Moorestown Mayor Nicole Gillespie said. “They’re both high-pressure roles, and any mere mortal would’ve crumbled beneath them a long time ago. I support this decision because I truly believe he is the best CFO in the state, and we’re lucky to have him in that role. He has a tremendous amount of knowledge, expertise and professionalism.”

“I never heard anything but good things about Tom, and I’m happy to hear he’s taking off a lot of this burden,” Moorestown Deputy Mayor Sue Mammarella said.

Merchel completes his second stint serving in both roles. He previously served as township manager from January 2017 through February 2018, when he resigned as manager due to the pressure of holding both positions. Read more here: Tom Merchel Resigns As Moorestown Township Manager

Thomas Neff succeeded Merchel as manager in August of that year, but he resigned in December 2019 when he took a job working on the state budget. Merchel returned to the role of manager, and has served in both positions since.

Moorestown Council begins 2021 with four new members on the five-person council. Among council members, there was some concern with Merchel handling two high-profile jobs, but they all praised Merchel for his performance.

“Your reputation precedes you,” Moorestown Councilman Jake Van Dyken told Merchel. “I never heard a complaint about your service to this town. I’m happy to know we will have your involvement in the selection of a new township manager.”

“I knew your name many years ago, and that speaks volumes to the work you’ve done to benefit this town,” Moorestown Councilman Dave Zipin said. “This is not performance related, but there’s a concern that when you’re under so much pressure, things might start to slip through the cracks. It’s a testament to your success that this hasn’t been an issue yet.”

Quinton Law, who was sworn in on Monday night, echoed what the rest of council said.

“Tom walked me around town hall, helped me out a lot,” Law said. “He played a key role in my transition.”

Resident Kate Wilson and former councilman Greg Newcomer also praised Merchel, calling his resignation, “déjà vu all over again.”

“Thank you for your service again. You’ll be relieved of all your burden,” Newcomer said. “We appreciate your service.”

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