Michael is a professional management and land use consultant. Most recently he retired from a 40-year career as Township Manager of Peters Township, a home rule community with a strong manager/council system. Michael was responsible for all operations of the Township including collective bargaining, budgeting, hiring, and supervision of all departments comprising of 105 permanent employees and more than a $20 million budget.
As Manager of Peters Township, Michael:
- Developed and managed the Township budget which has consistently been awarded the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the past 25 years
- Oversaw personnel management matters including negotiating collective bargaining agreements for three bargaining units, and developed personnel handbooks and performance evaluation systems
- Developed strong fiscal control systems including a purchasing manual and investment policy
- Implemented numerous public relations efforts including extensive cable access programming, newsletters, online citizen requests system and a mobile app
- Oversaw and participated in numerous comprehensive planning efforts including land use, recreation and transportation planning
- Implemented the new Parks and Recreation and Career Fire departments
- Transitioned the library from an independent operation to a township department
- Developed numerous initiatives including one of the first GIS systems in Pennsylvania by developing Geoplan
- Managed the first community to purchase a portion of the Montour Railroad, developing it as a recreation trail and one of the first recreation centers in western Pennsylvania
As a Municipal Professional, Michael:
- Served on the Southwestern Planning Commission as a voting member for Washington County since 1992
- Municipal consultant for SPC and DCED
Background, memberships and affiliations:
- Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh
- Bachelors of Science in Geography/Urban Planning from Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Gamma Theta Upsilon, National Honorary Geography Fraternity
- Past Vice President of Association of Pennsylvania Municipal Management
- Recipient of the 2016 Joseph A. James Award