Howard Lazarus to retire as executive director
Accolades all around by council for his nearly three years of service
Howard Lazarus has announced his intention to retire from his Delaware County executive director post as of March 31.
Thanking the county staff for their work and wishing good health and spirits, the Marple native made his announcement during Wednesday’s regular county council meeting during the section labeled “Communications from the Executive Director.”
“I am still a proud and loyal Delaware County resident,” he said. “Thank you again for this opportunity and all of your support.”
Lazarus, then 63 years old, was hired in July 2020 from a pool of 140 applicants in a nationwide search for the $215,000-a-year position.
After attending Marple Newtown High School, Lazarus went to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He then served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 20 years and also as public works director in Austin, Texas.
He came to Delaware County after serving as city administrator in Ann Arbor, Michigan, from 2016 until February 2020 when he was fired without cause, following a change in council leadership.
In his announcement, he noted key events that occurred in the time he worked in Delaware County, including the opening of the county health department, the deprivatization of the George W. Hill Correctional Facility, implementation of new election procedures in accordance with state law, the development of a sustainability program, a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion goals, modernizing systems, allocation and disbursement of federal relief funds related to COVID, and the purchase of the Don Guanella property in anticipation of creating the largest county park.
His announcement and comments were met with applause. Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor led the round of remarks.
“We have been able to accomplish a lot and work together as a county,” she said of his time in the executive director role. “Thank you for the work that you have done … We are very sad to see you go.”
Councilwoman Elaine Paul Schaefer said the list of things council wanted him to do “went on and on” and said he was “crazy” to have taken the job.
That said, she added, “It’s amazing how incredibly he has performed … You were given an impossible job and you actually did it.”
She expressed gratitude for his work during a pandemic and for helping council transform the government.
“There are always board positions open, as you heard tonight, so don’t be a stranger,” Schaefer said.
Councilman Kevin Madden added,
“This county really owes you an enormous debt of gratitude … The job you have done … it really does just blow the mind what you’ve had to face and what you’ve accomplished.”
Councilwoman Christine Reuther noted that Lazarus arrived at a time when there were many vacancies in the county, including those in top administrative roles.
She said his legacy will be seen in the people he hired as he prepares for the next chapter of his life.
“He’s looking for an opportunity to spend time with the family that hasn’t seen him that much in the last two and a half years,” Reuther said.
Councilman Richard Womack, acknowledging he knew him the least, added, “Thank you and wish you the best in your future endeavors.”
Taylor outlined what the process would be following Lazarus’ retirement.
On April 1, Marc Woolley, who serves as Delaware County’s deputy executive director, would serve as the chief administrative officer until Dec. 31.
A full search for a new executive director would occur in the summer with the expectation of appointing one in November to assume duties at the Jan. 2 reorganization of council.