New Township Manager Begins Tenure In Lower Makefield

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —The township has hired a new manager who will begin his tenure on Jan. 9.

David W. Kratzer Jr. was appointed by the Lower Makefield Township Board of Supervisors at its most recent meeting. He will replace Police Chief Kenneth Coluzzi, who has filled the position on an interim basis for the past six months.

Kratzer has served as township manager of Susquehanna Township in Dauphin County, where he led the operations of a municipal staff of about 75 full-time employees and was responsible for managing a nearly $30 million annual budget.

“The Board is looking forward to working with Mr. Kratzer in continuing our efforts to keep Lower Makefield Township as a highly regarded place to live, work and play,” Supervisors Chairman James McCartney said.

Supervisors said Kratzer competed in "an extremely vigorous selection process" and was chosen from a field of highly experienced professionals.

Kratzer is an accomplished local government professional with a demonstrated history of working cooperatively with elected and appointed officials throughout the state, supervisors said in a press release.

He has experience in virtually all functional areas of local government including, but not limited to, public finance, land use and planning, labor and employment, community engagement/branding, and strategic planning.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome such an experienced manager as David Kratzer. Under his stewardship, we expect LMT to continue to improve in all aspects,” Supervisors Vice Chairman Fred Weiss said.

Kratzer also served as township manager and assistant township manager in two municipalities in Lancaster County.

He is a credentialed city manager through the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), has served as a central region vice president on the executive committee of the Association for Pennsylvania Municipal Management (APMM), and is a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. He also earned a master’s degree in public administration from the Pennsylvania State University.

“Lower Makefield Township is a special community with a history of excellence," Kratzer said. "I look forward to working cooperatively and collaboratively with the Board of Supervisors, staff, and the community to sustain and build upon the Township’s past and current success. This appointment is a significant professional opportunity for me. My family and I look forward to becoming a part of this vibrant community."