Collier Hires New Township Manager

A familiar face with extensive government experience was tapped to become the new municipal manager.

Sal Sirabella was hired Wednesday night as the new municipal manager and will official begin his new job Monday. Sirabella replaces .

Sirabella, 62, lived in Collier two decades ago and served on the township planning commission and board of commissioners. He moved to Brookline in the mid-1990s to work as deputy mayor in Pittsburgh. He most recently worked in state government as a senior administration aide for former Gov. Ed Rendell and the late Catherine Baker Knoll.

“It’s an exciting challenge,” Sirabella said. “Local government is really where it starts and ends. It’s closest to the ground and closest to the people and where you can do the most effective job.”

He spent Thursday familiarizing himself with the municipality’s office staff and other township procedures. Sirabella said the most important issues to him are a “safe and clean” community from which to build upon.

The commissioners voted unanimously to hire Sirabella . He will be paid $68,500 per year and operate under an annual contract.

Commissioner Bob Schuler said they are elated to have someone who knows the township well.

“He’s a very experienced individual, a low-key manager,” Schuler said. “But he’s weighing things and organizing things in his mind on how to attack issues.”

Sirabella said the biggest challenge will be to balance the growth of the township with its rural aspects. He was on the planning commission just as Nevillewood was beginning to take shape.

“They have a good foundation to build on in Collier,” Sirabella said. “But I certainly have to look at the growth issues.”