NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TO NEWS/CITY DESK EDITOR
CONTACT: Debbie Bitting, Pennsylvania Municipal League, 717-236-9469, ext. *223, dbitting@pml.org
John S. Brenner is New League Executive Director
Harrisburg, PA (January 3, 2021) – John S. Brenner is the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Municipal League. John was named executive director by retiring League Executive Director Rick Schuettler with Board approval effective January 1.
“I am honored to have John Brenner succeed me as League executive director,” said Executive Director Emeritus Rick Schuettler. “John will provide dynamic leadership to the Board of Directors, the membership and his entire team. I wish him all the best.”
John, who served as The League’s deputy executive director since 2013 and prior to that as director of development from 2010-2013, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position. He also has the unique distinction of having served as League president in 2005-2006 and as a member of the National League of Cities Board in 2008-2009 in his capacity as mayor of York.
“I’m excited to welcome John as executive director and to join him as president during his first year,” said League President Mayor Danene Sorace, City of Lancaster. “There is much work to be done across the Commonwealth and John’s experience and knowledge will serve our members well.”
As deputy executive director, John assisted the executive director in the overall management of The League’s 22 employees; represented The League on behalf of the executive director at various meetings, events and functions with business leaders and local/state officials; recruited members and coordinated the Business Leaders Network; and focused on membership, marketing and communications.
As League director of development he recommended and helped implement the Core Communities in Crisis Task Force; served as liaison with local mayors and councilmembers; served on the Governor’s Transition Team for Local Government and the Transportation Funding Advisory Commission; organized the first state municipal league/KABOOM! partnership; and was liaison to the National League of Cities.
John has extensive experience in government, political and public affairs, communications, community relations, development and advocacy. He has been consistently recognized for political judgment skills and the ability to explain public policy initiatives to various audiences. John is successful at developing and integrating public relations campaigns and legislative strategies to meet challenges and exceed organizational objectives. He is skilled at motivating and managing people to create partnerships and foster an environment of teamwork and cooperation.
“Thank you to The League Officers and Board of Directors for the opportunity to help lead this great organization,” said Executive Director John Brenner. “It is an honor to serve our municipalities, local officials, business leaders and partners. Along with a solid staff of professionals, we will endeavor to advocate for local government, engage local leaders and enhance our operations going forward.”
John also brings exceptional municipal experience and understanding to the position through his 10 years at the City of York as mayor from 2002-2010 and Controller in 2000-2001. In addition, he served 4 years as executive director of the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute from 1997-2001. He has been an adjunct professor at York College for Urban Sociology and Economics of Urban Revitalization since 2008.
He serves on numerous professional organization boards and has received awards such as Eagle Scout; Outstanding Young Pennsylvanian, Pennsylvania Jaycees; “40 Under 40,” Central Pennsylvania Business Journal; Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence; Local Elected Official of the Year, York County Chamber of Commerce; and Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree, York College of Pennsylvania. The League Board, members and staff congratulate John on becoming executive director!
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About The Pennsylvania Municipal League
The mission of the Pennsylvania Municipal League is to strengthen, empower and advocate for effective local government. The League is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established in 1900 as an advocate for Pennsylvania’s 3rd class cities. Today, The League represents Pennsylvania cities, boroughs, townships, home rule communities and towns that all share their municipal policy interests. The Board of Directors oversees the administration of a wide array of municipal services including legislative advocacy, publications, education/training, consulting-based programs, and group insurance trusts. For more information, please visit PML.org. Join the conversation at twitter.com/PAMunicipalLeag and facebook.com/PaMunicipalLeague, #StrengthThroughEngagement.