Tarentum Manager Dwight Boddorf credits much of his leadership ability to a mindset he learned in the Marine Corps — stay calm under pressure, focus on what matters and build systems that last.
Over the past several years, he has applied that approach to revitalization efforts in the borough.
On Tuesday, Boddorf was named a LocalSmart City Executive of the Year by Washington, D.C.-based public sector tech media company Scoop News Group. Other winners of the award include technology and information executives from larger cities such as Boston; Austin, Texas; and Seattle.
He joins Harrison Manager Amy Rockwell and Lower Burrell Manager Greg Primm, who were recently recognized by separate organizations for leadership efforts in their communities.
“It is an incredible honor, but I see it less as a personal award and more as recognition of what our whole borough team has accomplished,” Boddorf said.
“Over the last few years, we’ve taken on difficult issues from modernizing aging water and electric systems to strengthening public safety and financial stability. That progress only happens because council is willing to make long-term decisions, our staff works tirelessly and the community stays engaged.”
The award highlights leaders working to improve city, county and municipal government.
It comes on the heels of Boddorf being chosen in October as a 2025-26 Veteran Fellow at Stanford University, where he will help veterans gain hands-on experience in local government.
Having three Alle-Kiski Valley municipal leaders earn recognition in recent months is something Boddorf feels sets the region apart.
“Something special is happening here,” Boddorf said. “Our small Alle-Kiski Valley is producing some of the most recognized and high-performing municipal leaders in the state.
“This region is punching well above its weight.”
In October, Primm was honored by the International City/County Management Association for his dedication to the profession. He has served in four municipal leadership roles, including in Allegheny and Penn townships.
“The Alle-Kiski Valley is experiencing something special right now,” Primm said. “Leaders like Dwight, Amy and I are driven by a shared belief that strong, ethical, community-focused management can truly transform a region. We support each other, challenge each other and celebrate each other’s successes because we know that when one community rises, we all rise.”
Primm said what makes the region stand out is the commitment to service that involves hands-on leadership that listens, plans thoughtfully and puts people first.
“It’s inspiring to be part of a group of managers who are working not just to run government well, but to make our communities stronger for generations to come,” he said.
In Harrison, Rockwell was named last month among the best in the state for municipal management. She was honored by news platform City & State’s annual 50 Over 50 award for leaders who have made an impact in government, business or public service.
She is well-known in local government, having served as manager of Lower Burrell, Millvale and Upper Burrell. Rockwell said limited staff means municipal managers operate as hands-on administrators.
“Our role requires deep engagement and competence across all municipal functions,” she said. “Oftentimes, in our first municipal roles, we were the staff who handled all administrative positions. This provides for rapid practical learning in real time. The future of the region depends on professional municipal leaders, who operate in the now and prepare for the future.”
The trio’s longevity and dedication bucks a trend, according to a 2022 study from MissionSquare Research Institute. Their data revealed 52% of state and local public sector workers were considering leaving the field, most commonly citing inadequate pay or burnout.
Quit rates for local and state government employees increased from 6.1% in 2010 to 9.7% in 2016, and a record 11.7% in 2020, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Rockwell said increased funding challenges mandate a need to continue to explore regional collaboration at all levels.
“Together, we can work to address the changing landscape that is the Alle-Kiski Valley,” she said. “It is new municipal managers collaborating with seasoned veterans who are building successful partnerships and building strong foundations for our collective future.”
In Tarentum, Boddorf leads a community of about 5,000 residents, but his reach extends the borough through multi-municipal efforts. Tarentum in 2023 took over the Brackenridge police department in an effort to keep local officers on the beat.
Tarentum also is expected to join with Brackenridge and Harrison to form the Alle-Kiski Emergency Service Authority which will keep emergency services viable in the three communities.
“My job is to create the conditions for our team to succeed,” Boddorf said. “As for the impact, I hope it highlights that innovation isn’t limited to big cities. Most of the winners come from much larger places, so being included shows what small towns can achieve when everyone rows in the same direction.”
