Cranberry Bids Farewell To Longtime Township Manager

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA — Jerry Andree has retired as township manager, concluding a 30-year tenure in township government. He ended his career with praising his successor, deputy township manager Dan Santoro, who has considerable experience working for the township as well.

“I have total confidence that Dan will continue to guide Cranberry Township along the path to prosperity,” Andree said. “His knowledge of the township spans decades, and his understanding of both the major and minor details that make Cranberry great is unmatched.”

Santoro was hired as a planning and zoning assistant in December 1991. He was promoted to Director of Code Administration in 1993 and eventually served as assistant township manager until 2006.

Santoro then entered the private sector for a decade before returning as assistant township manager in November 2017. He most recently served as deputy township manager.

“Dan’s resume speaks for itself, but it’s his understanding of the way the Township functions and the goals for the future that make him the ideal candidate,” township supervisors chairman Dick Hadley said. “The board is excited to continue working with him to make Cranberry great.”

A native of Monessen, Westmoreland County, Santoro earned a bachelor’s degree in regional planning from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in public management from Carnegie Mellon University.

The longtime township resident, said he’s excited to continue the work begun by Andree township supervisors.

“Jerry leaves pretty big shoes to fill, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have worked side-by-side with him for many years,” he said. “He’s created the blueprint for success, and I believe it sets the stage for many great days ahead for Cranberry Township.”

Andree was honored and thanked for his stellar career during the supervisors' Jan. 4 reorganizational meeting. The virtual meeting was streamed to residents and staff, with Andree and administrators meeting in person.

The board, along with township staff and administration members, presented Andree with a photo book highlighting the achievements over the course of his career.

Andree’s mark will remain in Cranberry thanks to a street named in his honor, as well as a bench featuring a commemorative plaque to be placed in a park of his choosing.

Additionally, the Jerry Andree Endowment Fund was formally presented. Funded by individual and private donations, the endowment will directly support township parks.