In 1983, when Allegheny County established Local Government Academy, they did something unique: They set the stage for the creation of an independent, non-partisan organization designed to Promote Excellence in Local Government.

Over the years, Local Government Academy has become a trusted provider of fact-based information on matters relevant to local government in Pennsylvania. What started with the leadership of one county government, has elevated the awareness of good governance across the region and even beyond state boundaries.

As a Public Charity, Local Government Academy must maintain a high-level of transparency in all our activities, but this alone does not guarantee longevity. I believe that what has set us apart, and what ensures we remain focused on local government, is the prescribed membership of our Board of Directors.

The required representation of board membership categories all but guarantees that we remain non-partisan and singularly focused on municipal government. Local Government Academy’s board must consist of the following categories: Local Government (the majority of which shall be elected), County Government, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Business and Private Citizens, Academia, Civic Organizations, and Council of Governments. It is the Board of Directors that keeps Local Government Academy from shifting away from our mission as each segment serves as a balance to the others.

As you might expect, with this requirement, we have a sizeable board and leadership is not for the faint of heart. It requires tenacity and vision, and we are excited to welcome Ruthann L. Omer, P.E. as our new Board Chair. Recently retired, Ruthann is known to many from her tenure as President of Gateway Engineers and her work on numerous boards.

Ruthann will be joined on the Executive Committee by Vice Chair, Catherine Sapp, Councilmember, Municipality of Penn Hills; Treasurer, Mike McCaig, Director Municipal Finance, RBC Capital Markets, LLC; and Secretary Andy Waple, AICP, Director of Transportation, Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission.

To add to our ranks, we also welcome new board members: Suzanne Chybrzynski, Vice President, HDH/HUB International; Lori Mizgorski, State Representative, 30th District, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Dan Santoro, Manager, Cranberry Township; Sue Trout, Vice President Benefits Consultant, Mockenhaupt Benefits Group; and Shon Worner, Esq., Campbell Durrant, P.C.

Local Government Academy has built a legacy of education thanks to solid leadership from our Board of Directors. As we move into 2022, we remain dedicated to our locally elected and appointed officials and municipal staff and hope you will join with us as we continue forward, changing and challenging both ourselves and our communities, to listen, learn, and commit to excellence in local government.

– Joy