Shaler names assistant manager, longtime employee Judith Kording as new township manager

A familiar face is taking over as Shaler manager, but she doesn’t plan to keep the job for very long.

At their Aug. 12 meeting, Shaler commissioners promoted Assistant Manager Judith Kording to manager, effective that day.

Her salary was set at $155,000, up from $126,000.

Kording, 64, of McCandless has been with the township for 37 years. She plans to serve as manager for 18 to 24 months, during which she hopes the township will bring in a new assistant manager who she can prepare to succeed her.

”I would like to thank the board of commissioners for this opportunity. With 37 years of knowledge and experience, I am honored to be chosen to lead Shaler Township over the next few years,” she said.

“Shaler Township is a great community because of the stewardship of the elected officials, the commitment of dedicated employees, and the many volunteers and organizations that donate their time to the betterment of the community,” she said. “More importantly, the residents and business owners in this township make Shaler a special place. I am honored to accept this position and welcome all to stop by and say hello.”

Kording replaces Christopher Lovato, who resigned in April after beginning as deputy township manager in September 2022 and replacing longtime Manager Tim Rogers in January 2023.

Rogers, who retired in December 2022 after serving as Shaler’s manager for 30 years, returned in April as a temporary manager consultant.

In its search for a new manager, Shaler received eight applicants, from which three were interviewed, Rogers said.

Rogers called Kording “eminently qualified.”

In April, Kording received a Career Recognition Award at the 2025 Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence, which honors the achievements of local officials across the state. She was nominated by the Government Finance Officers Association of Pennsylvania, which she has been involved with at the regional and state levels.

In addition to managing personnel and overseeing contract negotiations for Shaler, Kording was responsible for introducing several community events, including Fall Fest, Movies in the Park, Float with a Flick and Concerts in the Park, the association said.

“The Career Recognition Award is a testament to Judith’s lifelong commitment to improving local governance, fostering community spirit and making a tangible difference in the lives of residents,” the association said in a statement. “Her work is a shining example of the positive impact that dedicated local officials can have on their communities.”

Kording started at Shaler in 1988 as finance director, a title she still holds, and became assistant manager in 2019.

“There’s nothing about this township or the operation that she doesn’t know or has been involved in,” Commissioner Bill Cross said. “We are very fortunate that she was agreeable to take this position as manager while we seek an assistant manager who can then learn from her.”

The township will promote someone from within to take over as finance director, Rogers said. To find a new assistant manager, the township will retain Public Partners, a division of the Allegheny League of Municipalities.

Kording was not planning on becoming manager. In fact, she had eyed retirement at the end of January 2026.

“I love this community. I know it’s the right thing to do for the community,” she said.