Springdale Township officials hire former political aide for new manager position

Springdale Township commissioners hired a familiar figure throughout the lower Alle-Kiski Valley as their new township manager.

William “Red” McElligott of Oakmont, a longtime aide to former State Rep. Frank Dermody, D-Oakmont, was hired by the commissioners Thursday to fill the new position.

McElligott served as Dermody’s chief assistant and a liaison to communities in the 33rd District from 1991 to 2020, when Dermody lost his seat to Republican Carrie DelRosso.

Since then, McElligott has served as an aide to Democratic State Rep. Austin Davis, who represents the Mon Valley communities of the 35th District.

“For me, it’s nice to come back to the Valley,” McElligott said after being hired. “(Springdale Township is) part of the old district, and I’m very familiar with the infrastructure.”

The commissioners created the position of township manager in June following the resignation of township Secretary Beth Olejarz who served in that position for about four years, according to Commissioner Tim Basilone. He said she left the township to accept a position with another municipality.

McElligott, who will earn an annual salary of $85,000 without benefits, was hired in a 3-0 vote with Commissioners Tony Rozzano and Jacqueline Karan absent.

Commissioners Chairman Mariana Burns said McElligott was one of two applicants for the position.

She cited two reasons for choosing him.

“His knowledge and experience,” she said.

“He has a lot of experience in government structure, and his organizational skills are quite advanced,” Basilone said. “We feel that Red will really take the reins and put some organization into the township.”

He said the creation of the manager’s job, as well as the hiring of financial consultant Tricia Levander, is aimed at improving how the township will operate into the future.

“He now can come in and concentrate on solving problems and applying for grants,” Basilone said.

Grant applications is one area the commissioners cited where they hope McElligott’s experience with state government will pay dividends for the township.

McElligott will start Aug. 17 but said he will be spending time in the township before then and doing some consulting with township officials.

Tom Yerace is a freelance writer.