City of Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter is The League’s New President

Officers and At-Large Directors Also Elected to The Pennsylvania Municipal League Board of Directors

Harrisburg, PA (October 15, 2024) — City of Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter was elected President of the Pennsylvania Municipal League (The League) this past weekend, during the association’s Annual Business Meeting held in conjunction with the Municipal Leadership Summit in Scranton.   

Mayor Derek Slaughter has been a valued member of The League’s Board of Directors, serving first as Director-at-Large, followed by Legislative Committee Co-Chair, and then Second Vice President. He most recently served as First Vice President for 2023-2024.

“I am truly honored to be elected as President of the Pennsylvania Municipal League, following the exemplary leadership of Franklin Mayor Doug Baker,” said Slaughter. “My experience as Mayor of Williamsport has underscored the vital role of collaboration in our work. I eagerly anticipate this opportunity to lead, helping The League expand its advocacy for our members and all municipalities across our incredible commonwealth.”

Mayor Slaughter was born and raised in Williamsport, and in 2018-2019 Slaughter served as Williamsport City Councilman before entering the race for mayor of the City of Williamsport. He was sworn into office in January of 2020 and was reelected in 2023. He was the first African American to hold the position of Mayor. He is committed to building strong communities, and although there are challenges facing Williamsport, he believes that if they meet them head-on lasting solutions can be accomplished.

“Mayor Slaughter has been actively engaged with The League, serving on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and as Legislative Co-Chair and First and Second Vice President. He is a leader in revitalization and has led his team at the City of Williamsport to professionally serve the community,” said League Executive Director John Brenner. “The mayor has fostered positive and productive relationships with other municipal leaders from cities, boroughs and townships all over our commonwealth. He will undoubtedly further engage League members and help us grow in the years to come. We appreciate his leadership and really look forward to working with him as The League strengthens and empowers effective local government through advocacy, education, and support for our members.”

In addition to the election of League President, Ferguson Township Manager Centrice Martin, who had currently held the office of Second Vice President, was elected First Vice President, while Bethlehem Mayor, J. William Reynolds, who had currently served as the Bethlehem Representative, was elected Second Vice President. The League officers will each serve a one-year term in their respective positions on the Board.

At-Large Directors Council President Allen Coffman, Chambersburg, and Mayor Kendy Alvarez, Lewisburg were also elected during the meeting to serve a two-year term on the Board of Directors.

The Pennsylvania Municipal League strengthens and empowers effective local government through advocacy, education, and support for our members. 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, and home rule communities that all share their municipal policy interests. The Board of Directors oversees the administration of a wide array of municipal services including legislative advocacy (on both the state and federal levels), publications designed to educate and inform, inquiry and research, education and training certification programs, consulting-based programs, and group insurance trusts.

Additional members of the Board include: Mayor Douglas Baker, Franklin; Council President Doug Tusing, Ebensburg Borough; Mayor Peter Urscheler, Phoenixville; Manager Jason Bobst, West Norriton Township; Manager Christopher Christman, Derry Township;  Manager Amy Farkas, Patton Township; City Manager Joe Fleming, St. Marys; Mayor Rita Frealing, Borough of Gettysburg; Mayor Ezra Nanes, State College Borough; President Commissioner Daniel Bernheim, Lower Merion Township; Mayor Jeff Cusat, Hazleton; Councilmember Mary Ann Horne, Edinboro; City Clerk Dennis Scarpiniti, New Kensington; Councilmember Stephen Stevenson, Lock Haven; Mayor Wanda Williams, Harrisburg;; Mayor Joe Schember, Erie; Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, Philadelphia; Mayor Ed Gainey, Pittsburgh; Mayor Eddie Moran, Reading; Mayor Paige Cognetti, Scranton; Mayor Michael Lombardo, Pittston; Mayor Ed Brown, Upper Darby Township; Mayor Matthew Pacifico, Altoona; Mayor Danene Sorace, Lancaster; Mayor Salvatore Panto; Easton; Councilmember Brian J. O’Neill; Philadelphia; League Executive Director John Brenner; and Business Leaders Network Representative Ashley Shiwarski, National League of Cities Service Line Warranty Program Administered by HomeServe.

Municipal elected and appointed officials from across the state attended the Municipal Leadership Summit on October 10-13, a conference of the Pennsylvania Municipal League, the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners and the Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association, to connect and network with colleagues, attend informative and educational sessions, discuss issues facing the commonwealth’s municipalities, share resources and best practices, establish legislative policy, and elect association officers for the coming year

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About The Pennsylvania Municipal League

The Pennsylvania Municipal League strengthens and empowers effective local government through advocacy, education, and support for our members. 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, and home rule communities that all share The League’s 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 about the Pennsylvania Municipal League, please visit PML.org. Join the conversation on X, facebook.com/PaMunicipalLeague and LinkedIn. #MunicipalLeadershipSummit24. #StrengthThroughEngagement  


CONTACT: 
Debbie Bitting, Pennsylvania Municipal League, 717-236-9469, ext. *223, dbitting@pml.org
Britton Kosier, Pennsylvania Municipal League, 717-236-9469, ext. *224, bkosier@pml.org