Brian O’Malley will become the new town manager for McCandless at the end of August, replacing former manager, Robert Grimm, who resigned in June.

O’Malley most recently served as town manager for New Sewickley Township in Beaver County, a post he held since 2021.

“I want to continue to offer the great services that the employees here and council have offered throughout the years. I look forward to working together to make McCandless amazing,” said O’Malley.

Previous experience includes being assistant manager for Avalon Borough and serving as chief of staff for Pennsylvania State Rep. Adam Ravenstahl. O’Malley also served on the board of supervisors for Richland Township.

O’Malley, 40, has roots in McCandless. He lived in a home at the corner of Peebles and Sample roads until age 7, where he attended Hosack Elementary for kindergarten and first grade.

He grew up in Gibsonia in Richland Township, graduating from Pine-Richland School District, and still resides in Gibsonia.

He graduated from Allegheny College in Meadville in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

O’Malley was one of 16 applicants for the position, with six being selected for interviews, according to John Bojarski, public information officer for McCandless.

The process included a hiring committee made up of three town council members and the human resources administrator.

The hiring committee conducted the first two interviews for candidates. The final interview was with all seven council members.

O’Malley was hired at a salary of $108,000, plus benefits, which is comparable to other municipal managers in the area, according to Bojarski.

“I’m excited and looking forward to meeting all of the people of McCandless and getting to know everyone a little bit better,” he said.

McCandless Councilmember Kathleen Roppa, a member of the hiring committee, said O’Malley was a good match.

“We believe Mr. O’Malley is the best fit for our community and will work well with McCandless’ staff and culture. Brian is local to the area and brings ample government experience to the town,” she said.

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