Edgeworth assistant borough manager promoted to top administrator

Edgeworth officials welcomed a familiar face as their new borough manager.

Ellen Politi was unanimously appointed top administrator Sept. 17.

She joined Edgeworth as an administrative assistant nearly six years ago and worked as assistant borough manager since December.

Politi, 29, of Ohio Township was scheduled to take over for John Schwend on Oct. 1. Schwend served as Edgeworth’s manager the past decade.

Borough officials celebrated the transition with a luncheon Sept. 30.

“I’m excited,” Politi said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity. I’m very grateful that they trust me with taking on this responsibility. I’m also very thankful for John for teaching me all of the things over the past six years that he knows.”

Schwend, 43, recently accepted a job as McCandless’ township manager.

“It was a great opportunity that was close to home to grow in a bigger municipality,” Schwend said. “They have a lot of great opportunities ahead of them. I’ve loved all my time in Edgeworth, and I’ll miss the residents and the council and the staff dearly. I decided it was time to take on a new adventure in a little bit bigger place.”

The change also comes with less driving time. Schwend, a Hampton resident, will see his work commute go from about 45 minutes to five minutes.

“That did help impact the decision, too,” Schwend said.

Politi’s new salary is $85,000. Schwend’s new salary is $140,000.

Government interest

Politi grew up in Linesville, a small borough about two hours from Pittsburgh. She graduated from Conneaut Area Senior High School in 2013.

It was during that time Politi developed an interest in local government. She had spent a lot of time with her grandmother, Noreen Stein, who worked as a deputy clerk of courts for Crawford County for about 28 years.

“I kind of grew up around the court house and always found it interesting and just wanted to be involved in a local level,” Politi.

She would go on to earn a bachelor’s in political science from Westminster College in May 2017 and a master’s in public administration from American University in December 2018.

Her goals as manager include keeping up with infrastructure, stormwater management, paving and leaf collection as well as maintaining quality of service for residents.

Politi is the second youngest borough manager in Edgeworth history.

Politi said they researched the position and found Belynda Slaugenhaupt, borough manager throughout the 1990s, was a few months younger when she first started.

Leaving a legacy

Edgeworth was able to obtain multiple grants and complete numerous projects during Schwend’s tenure.

The departing manager said he is most proud of getting funding and moving forward with the Beaver Road retaining wall replacement project.

Edgeworth received a $452,000 grant through the state Department of Community & Economic Development’s Local Share Account program to help pay for the project.

Officials said it is the largest award in borough history.

Council awarded the repair contract of about $580,800 to Access Limited Construction of Bethel Park on Aug. 20.

Schwend also touted the personnel moves and staff development under his watch, namely hiring Politi.

“Working with the staff on succession planning and putting really good people in place for department head positions and Ellen as assistant manager to be ready to take over as manager,” he said. “Loved working with her. We got along really well and got a lot done for the borough. I think she is very ready to take over. She is in a great position to lead Edgeworth into the future.”

Council presented Schwend with a plaque for his service.

“John has done an exceptional job in his past 10 years as manager and will be missed,” said council Vice President Ivan Hofmann. “We all congratulated him on his new position and wish him continued success.”

Hofmann said Schwend notified them of his new job about month ago. The Edgeworth manager position was not posted.

Hofmann said Politi’s education and training made her the perfect candidate and no search was needed.

“We did not advertise for the position as we have a succession plan in place since we hired Ellen in 2019,” Hofmann said. “She has worked under John for years and taken on increased responsibilities throughout her career at the borough. She was highly recommended for promotion by John and unanimously recommend by the personnel committee.”

Council on Sept. 17 also approved police Lt. Bill Och as new emergency management coordinator. Schwend had filled that role.