Abington Township Manager To Retire In January

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA —Township Manager Rich Manfredi has announced his retirement.

The move came without notice from Manfredi, who did not comment about it publicly at the recent Abington Township Commissioners meeting.

Manfredi told Patch that he had turned in a letter of resignation a week before last month's commissioners' meeting and that he would be staying on until January.

At its April 11 meeting, the commisioners approved a motion to appoint Baker Tilly US, LLP, of Overland Park, Kansas, to conduct the township manager search.

Commissioners Chairman Thomas Hecker said that the firm will help with a "seamless transition."

"There will be big shoes to fill," Ward 2 Commissioner Kenneth Brodsky said. "He's always been responsive and no-nonsense. I'm sorry to see him go."

Manfredi has had previous stops in Warminster Township and Conshohocken Borough.

Manfredi took over as township manager in Warminster in January 2012 and gave his notice in June 2014 to take the same position in Conshohocken.

In its proposal to the township, Baker Tilly said it would provide executive recruitment services with a "unique approach, highly regarded customer service practices, and our record of identifying and recruiting top-level executives in similar roles set us apart from our competitors.

Baker Tilly also said its unique features include:

• Commitment to a successful recruitment is guaranteed
• Focused strategy for success
• Talented and experienced recruitment consultants
• Video Interviews to screen semi-finalists
• Leadership assessment of finalists
• Comprehensive vetting of finalists
• Commitment to pursuing a diverse pool of candidates
• Online application and communication system

"Of equal importance, we want to ensure that your next Township Manager is a “great fit” for Abington Township and the community. Our professional background and many years of experience in recruiting local government managers will provide you with valuable insight into finding and selecting the best candidate," Baker Tilly said in its proposal.

The township manager serves as the chief executive and administrative officer of Abington.

He directs and administers all executive and non-legislative activities of the township, except as otherwise provided by statute or ordinance. The organizational structure includes the selection of key department heads and other management positions and professional consultants for ensuring the goals and objectives of the Board of Commissioners and Administration are met, the township's website states.

Manfredi is assisted by Assistant Township Managers Tara Wehmeyer and Ashley McIlvaine, and Theresa Castorina, assistant to the township manager.