Board names new township manager
Current Lower Providence manager to take over in August
TOWAMENCIN >> The next manager for Towamencin Township will be, in many ways, similar to the last one.
Township officials have announced the hiring of Donald D. Delamater, currently manager of Lower Providence Township, to start in Towamencin in August.
“There’s no doubt that Don brings a tremendous amount of experience to the township,” said supervisors Chairman Chuck Wilson.
“When we looked at Don’s traits, we were reminded very much of the traits that made Rob Ford a very successful and respected manager: respected by staff, the board, and the public.
And we see those same traits in Don,” he said.
In late May the township sent off Ford at the end of a career that included roughly 40 years in public service, including 17 as Towamencin’s manager after 12 years in Whitemarsh Township. The bio for Delamater is similar, Wilson said. Prior to his arrival in Lower Providence in 2016, he had previously served as manager of Hilltown Township, and that followed a total of 20 years with East Norriton Township, 13 as assistant manager and seven as manager — about 25 years total, Wilson said.
“We could just say there’s no doubt that Don brings a tremendous amount of experience to the township. But one other thing that’s important in any position is fit,” Wilson said.
“We are confident that he will be as outstanding and as successful as Rob was,” he said.
In addition to that experience, Delamater brings a master’s in public administration from Villanova University, an undergraduate degree in business administration from Florida Atlantic University, and he, his wife Holly, and their three children currently live in Towamencin — familiarity Wilson said will be quite helpful.
“I think you’ve got a leg up, being a resident of the township. If something comes up, it’s not ‘Where’s that street?’ or ‘Where’s that park?’” Wilson said.
Delamater was selected after what Wilson called “an extensive search process” led by local consultants, former managers Larry Comunale and Ron Wagenmann. Delamater thanked the board for the opportunity, and said he looked forward to joining the township’s team.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things about the staff here, the police, the public works, the administration, a lot of familiar faces with our consultants,” he said.
“We’re a busy community. I can say ‘We,’ because I do live here. We are a busy community, and there’s a lot of things still to do as we move forward, and I look forward to those challenges,” Delamater said.
His official start date in Towamencin will be August 9, and Delamater said his first priority will be to get to know the township’s department heads, outside experts, and residents..
“I knew Rob my whole career in municipal government, and I have a lot of respect for him and what he’s done. So I look forward to the challenge here,” he said.
Supervisor Dan Littley said he was glad to find a manager with Delamater’s experience who also lives locally, particularly when the township’s emergency operations center is activated.
Supervisor Dan Bell added that he thought Delamater would be a strong addition to the township team already in place.
“Adding you to this team of really great, capable people is an incredible blessing for the township. Thanks for joining the team, and being part of this incredible group,” he said.
Supervisor Laura Smith said she’s known Delamater “forever” from various interactions, “and I know who you are, and what you’re capable of.”
“I believe you are a phenomenal fit, and you’ll do a great job steering the ship. Welcome aboard,” she said.
Towamencin’s supervisors next meet at 7:30 p.m. on July 14 at the township administration building, 1090 Troxel Road. For more information visit www. Towamencin.org.