John Brenner
League Executive Director
On the incoming presidents for The League and for PSATC...
“The Pennsylvania Municipal League’s new President, Ferguson Township Manager Centrice Martin is a trailblazer. Manager Martin is the first township official and the first municipal manager to serve as League President. She brings a wealth of local government knowledge and experience to this role. The League is honored to work with her, our officers, and executive committee members to serve our member communities, continue to grow members, strengthen programs and services and advocate effectively for local government in our Commonwealth.”
On The League’s relationship with the PA Career Fire Chiefs Association…
“The Pennsylvania Municipal League is honored to partner with the Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association to encourage fire service leaders to engage in their Credentialing Program. This common sense, education, training, certification and experiential learning initiative will allow fire service leaders the opportunity to learn and grow in their roles, serving their local department and their community. Management, team building and interpersonal skills are more important now than ever before for fire service leaders to lead successfully. That’s why this credentialling program is open to all fire service officers including volunteer, career, full time or part time. The League brings a wealth of experience in helping to train local officials. Dedicated staff will support and assist the Career Fire Chiefs in administering this leadership continuum.”
On The League’s new League Learning Academy and its advantages for our membership…
“The Pennsylvania Municipal League’s new League Learning Academy will provide a baseline training curriculum for local officials, elected and appointed throughout Pennsylvania. The League Learning Academy provides dynamic and accessible training programs tailored for local elected and appointed officials, as well as key municipal staff. The program’s mission is to strengthen municipal leadership, enhance governance practices, and inspire meaningful community engagement. Through a flexible blend of live online courses, on-demand modules, and interactive webinars, participants gain practical knowledge and skills essential for effective public service. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that municipal leaders are well-prepared to serve their communities with integrity, competence, and excellence.”
On the John A. Garner, Jr. Civic Engagement Essay Scholarship winners and the importance of civic engagement…
“Congratulations to this year’s winners of the John A. Garner, Jr. Civic Engagement Essay Scholarships. High school students participating in the essay contest learn about local government and the important role of local leaders in providing core public services like police, fire, EMS, parks & recreation, public works and community & economic development. In addition to offering scholarships, the essay contest offers young people unique insight into potential careers in local government. This program would not be possible without the generous support Yvonne Garner whose beloved husband Jack service for more than three decades as the League’s Executive Director.”
On this year’s Municipal Leadership Summit…
“The 2025 Municipal Leadership Summit includes a timely keynote address from a survivor of the 911 terrorist attacks on our country. Michal Hingson tells his powerful story of survival and the many lessons learned from his experience during September 11, 2001. Our closing keynote speaker, the CEO of the national non profit group KaBOOM! will focus on the important and meaningful role of local officials and the corporate community working together to build safe play spaces in our communities. Since 2010 KaBOOM! has partnered with the League to build new playgrounds throughout the Commonwealth.”
On League Business Leaders Network Member, Wells Fargo, winning this year’s Community Partnership Award…
“Congratulations to Wells Fargo as our 2025 recipient of the Business Leaders Network Community Partnership Award. Wells Fargo is the Leagues 125th Anniversary sponsor. For decades Wells has worked with municipalities to ensure good fiscal management through their baking services and their investment in community development initiatives. We are proud to partner with Wells as we serve local governments in operating effectively and working to enhance neighborhoods and communities.”
Candice Heyward
Director of Training & Professional Development
On The League’s new League Learning Academy and its advantages for our membership…
“When thinking of The Leagues’ mission and core values, we knew that the League Learning Academy had to present itself as another trustworthy resource for our members, community neighbors, and partner organizations. The League Learning Academy has been designed to empower local leaders with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to serve their communities more effectively. Through high-quality, practical instruction, learners will both gain valuable skills and enhance their current knowledge base that can be immediately applied to real-world challenges. We strive to serve every municipal position through quality education. Whether you are a secretary, supervisor, manager, codes official, mayor, or anything in between, the League Learning Academy can help you meet your professional development needs. This program aims to foster strong, informed leadership that drives positive, lasting change. I am excited to watch this program grow and I have confidence that it will prove to be a meaningful and successful initiative for many years to come.“