Dormont Manager Preparing for Job

new borough manager was welcomed to the borough with a Terrible Towel—a gift from Mayor Tom Lloyd, to introduce the former Florida resident to the area’s favorite team.

But , who was officially hired Monday and began work Tuesday, said learning about the Steelers is just one item on a very busy to-do list.

“I’m trying to absorb as much as possible,” Naftal said. “We have some big things to focus on right now. We have positions to fill, and union negotiations are coming up.”

Naftal said he’s already read through many of the borough’s codes and ordinances, and is in the process of meeting with all members the borough’s administrative staff.

“My job is to make a future here,” he said. “I have read what has happened here in the past, but everyone in this community has been very positive and I’m looking forward to being here.”

The borough budgeted $75,000 for a new borough manager, and Naftal will be paid that amount. He has signed a one-year contract with the borough.

Most of Naftal’s career has been in the southern states—mainly South Carolina and Florida—and he had never been to the Pittsburgh area before interviewing for the Dormont position.

He said he was drawn to the job because he has experience in the areas the borough needs to address, including development, facility improvement and technology management. Dormont’s small community atmosphere is similar to other areas where he has worked, he said.

Naftal said he plans to attend all of the borough’s committee meetings at first, to hear what the community’s needs are and begin to address them. He also wants to improve the borough’s website.

Naftal has a wife and 5-year-old son, and they have moved into a Bethel Park home.

And—although he once cheered for the Dolphins—Naftal said the Terrible Towel won’t go to waste as he learns to cheer for his new home team.

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