Sewickley has a new mayor, George Shannon

Sewickley has a new mayor.

George Shannon was appointed by council Tuesday night to fill the seat vacated by Brian Jeffe, who resigned as mayor last month. His term is set to expire at the end of this year.

Shannon would have to run in the upcoming municipal election if he wants to keep the seat another four years.

“I’m honored,” he said about the new position. “Sewickley is a part of my heart and soul … I need a platform to give back. When you live here for 40 years you get to know a lot of people and get attached to those people.”

Shannon, 75, worked in sales and marketing in the municipal water market for decades, including running his own business for 22 years.

He was an executive vice president for Tnemec in Kansas City and vice president of the north region for Utility Service in Georgia.

He co-authored a self-published memoir with his son, Chad, called “The Best Seven Years of My Life – The Story of an Unlikely Caregiver.”

It’s about the time Shannon spent with his wife of 47 years, Carol. Shannon served as her caretaker for seven years after she suffered two strokes and had various other physical setbacks. She died in April 2017 at age 70.

He said the community has been very supportive of his family over the years, and pledged to be an active mayor.

Shannon was selected from two candidates. A third withdrew his application.

He was appointed mayor by via 8-1 vote. Councilwoman Christine Allen dissented. She did not explain her vote.

Shannon was nominated for the position by Councilwoman Cynthia Mullins.

”I’m excited that George Shannon is going to be Sewickley’s next mayor,” Mullins said. “He’s lived in the Quaker Valley area 40 years and in Sewickley proper for 22 of those years. I’ve spent time listening to him and am confident he understands the entire community and has our best interests at heart. His proven track record of executive experience will be an asset to the borough.”

Council Vice President Todd Renner said he’s known Shannon for more than 30 years, and looks forward to working with his good friend.

“He’s a perfect fit to be mayor of Sewickley because he knows most people,” Renner said. “He’s very knowledgeable of the community. He’s retired. He has plenty of time, and I know he’s going to be a good fit for the borough.”