April 17, 2024

KENNETT TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS

NAME ALISON S. DOBBINS NEW TOWNSHIP MANAGER

KENNETT TOWNSHIP – In a vote at their April 17, 2024, public meeting, Kennett Township’s Board of Supervisors passed a resolution appointing Alison S. Dobbins as the Township’s new Manager. Ms. Dobbins begins her tenure on April 22, 2024.

 “The Board is looking forward to working with Ms. Dobbins.” Board Chair Geoffrey Gamble said. “Alison has a broad base of skills and experience perfectly aligned to help us through the opportunities and challenges facing Kennett Township now and in the future. We feel lucky to have her on our team.”

 “Our search lasted two months and attracted 56 candidates. That is a clear indication of how highly desirable our Township is as a place to work.”, Gamble shared.

 Board Vice Chair, Richard Leff reflected that; “…with so many candidates to interview, from so many areas, we were able to conduct a thorough search yielding a strong result.”

 Supervisor, Pat Muller declared that “Ms. Dobbins has already shown us that she is eager and ready to be a part of our Kennett Township Community. I am excited to work with her.”

 Ms. Dobbins comes to Kennett Township from Upper Darby Township, the sixth largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

 In her four plus years in Upper Darby, Alison served as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer and most recently as the Acting Chief Administrative Officer where she was responsible for the implementation of the ordinances and strategic priorities of the Mayor and Council.

 Her multivariant skillset includes financial management, grant management, Parks and Recreation as well as Emergency Management and Public Safety. She is experienced in contract and union negotiations and helped to navigate Upper Darby’s public services through the recent COVID emergency crisis.

 Ms. Dobbins received her Bachelor of Science degree from Drexel University and is pursuing her MBA from Eastern University. She is also pursuing her ICMA (International City County Managers Association) accreditation. She participated in the ICMA High Performance Leadership Academy and the Municipal Leadership Summit of the Pennsylvania Municipal League in 2023.

Ms. Dobbins has been an active and involved participant in her local community organizations. Ms. Dobbins is supported by her home team - husband Ed, an educator, and her three daughters. 

The Board of Supervisors would also like to extend our thanks and gratitude to Acting Township Manager/Finance & HR Director, Amy Heinrich for her outstanding and professional leadership during this transition period. Her dedication to the success of Kennett Township is exemplary.

Please join us in welcoming Ms. Dobbins and thanking Ms. Heinrich and her dedicated team. We believe that we have assembled an outstanding new team that will produce great results for Kennett Township!