Zavadak tapped as New Kensington interim city clerk

New Kensington’s longtime city controller, John Zavadak, is now the city’s top administrator.

Council on Monday hired Zavadak as interim city clerk. The vote on his appointment was unanimous.

Zavadak, 62, succeeds Dennis Scarpiniti, who retired the end of May after serving as New Kensington’s clerk for 38 years.

“I’d like to thank Mayor (Tom) Guzzo and council for the opportunity to work with them, at least for the interim, because I can tell you, it’s a tough pair of shoes to fill,” Zavadak said.

Zavadak will be paid $70,000 per year. He anticipates being in the interim role for about a year.

New Kensington’s controller for nearly 24 years, Zavadak said he stepped up for the role of city clerk due to his familiarity with the city and experience.

“It was a good fit,” Zavadak said. “They needed someone who knew the city. I have a good working relationship with council and the mayor.”

Guzzo praised Zavadak’s efforts as city controller, and his ability to work well with city officials on finances and the budget. It makes way for a smooth transition for the 2026 budget process, which has already started, Guzzo said.

“We felt that this would be the best fit and the best way moving forward,” Guzzo said.

Zavadak resigned from his position as controller to become city clerk. Guzzo said the city is accepting applications to fill that vacancy.

Zavadak was also named Right-to-Know officer, as well as secretary to the board of health and civil service commission.

The city is still working through the process to determine its next steps in hiring a permanent city clerk, Guzzo said.

Councilman Todd Mentecki called Zavadak “a great man for the position to continue moving the City of New Kensington forward.”