Blawnox borough manager retiring at the end of the year

The search is on for a new Blawnox borough manager as Kathly Ulanowicz plans to call it a career at the end of this year.

Council voted 6-0 on July 9 to post the top administrative position. Councilman Mark Lombardi was absent.

Borough officials plan to advertise it through the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, the state Department of Community and Economic Development and the job search site Indeed.com.

DCED would also be involved in the applicant screening process. Council would ultimately make the hiring decision.

“It may be one of the most important things we do in selecting a new borough manager,” Councilman Matt Stanczak said. “The borough manager is a critical role for this community. I wouldn’t say we’re nervous. It’s an opportunity to find someone who can create the Blawnox that we want it to be.”

Ulanowicz has been the borough manager since 2019. She started as a part-time office employee in 2008 and became assistant borough manager in 2017. She also served as the borough’s tax collector from 1998 to 2019.

“The people who are here are the reason that I’ve stayed,” she said.

The Blawnox native and 1979 Fox Chapel Area graduate has been an integral part in the success of the borough’s food pantry as well as Best of Blawnox, a nonprofit dedicated to the promotion and beautification of the area.

She is seen out volunteering in the community as often as she is working in the office, helping people.

“Kathy’s outstanding,” Stanczak said. “Kathy’s been a tremendous borough manager. She is a longtime resident of Blawnox. She knows the community as well as or better than anybody. Her service to the borough has been outstanding during her tenure. She is going to be hard to replace.”

Ulanowicz, 64, said she is retiring to spend more time with her family and plans to continue her hometown volunteer efforts.

“I think I’ve done all that I’ve wanted to do for Blawnox (professionally),” Ulanowicz said. “My husband (Bob) is retired. It’s time for me to retire and spend some time with my kids who live out of town.”

Ulanowicz hopes her successor is someone who can think on their feet and is prepared to wear many hats.

“I’d like to see someone who’s able to work with the residents and borough council,” she said. “Make sure they are someone who has a pretty even temper. It can be a little crazy here in a small town. Just because it’s a small town doesn’t mean that you don’t have issues that need to be dealt with.”

Borough officials briefly discussed some of the job qualifications at this month’s meeting.

Council plans to hire someone with at least a bachelor’s degree and/or five years of experience in municipal government.

Grant writing, economic development and strategic planning experience is preferred. Applicants do not need to be a borough resident.

There is currently no deadline for applications. Council hopes to hire someone by November so Ulanowicz can assist in the transition.

Stanczak said they are also looking for someone who is community-oriented.

“We are a small borough, tight-knit community,” he said. “We want someone who is proficient at working with our neighbors, residents, community members and making sure we deliver the services they need.”

Council budgeted nearly $69,000 for a borough manager in 2024. The estimated salary this year is a little more than $70,000.

Stanczak said the manager’s salary will be addressed during next year’s budget discussions.