McCandless hires new town manager

John Schwend has been hired as the new McCandless town manager, as approved unanimously by members of McCandless council at their Aug. 26 meeting.

Schwend was borough manager in Edgeworth for almost 11 years.

“I plan to be a consistent and stable leader that the staff and town can rely on to make sound policy recommendations, initiate and manage community development and infrastructure projects, and deliver high-quality services to the community,” Schwend said.

Brian O’Malley stepped down as the town’s manager in June and now is manager in Richland, where he lives. Acting as interim town managers for McCandless were Jason Dailey of Dailey Operations Consulting LLC and Christopher Lochner, retired longtime Hampton Township manager.

Schwend, 43, has a master’s in public policy management from the University of Pittsburgh, and bachelor’s in business and managerial economics from Allegheny College.

He plans to engage residents in the community, and to work to improve the quality of life for residents and businesses.

“Two of the best characteristics of the town are the high quality of our skilled employees and the dedication of residents who volunteer their time for community work, including boards and commissions,” Schwend said.

He serves as president and chairman of the board for the Hampton Township Volunteer Fire Department, which was created after a recent merger of North Hampton VFD and Hampton VFD No. 1, he said.

The Hampton resident has been married to Tracy for 11 years. They have a daughter, Madison, who is a freshman at Kent State and a 3-year-old yellow lab named Cooper. Tracy owns Premier Dance Academy in Marshall.

“We’re glad to have you here and we look forward to working with you,” Jason Singer, McCandless council president, told John Schwend.

The resolution approved by council includes an annual salary of $140,000.

Three new police officers were also approved at the town council meeting, conditional on passing of physical and psychological examinations and a physical agility test.