Sharpsburg officials recently added a local nonprofit leader to council bringing the seven-member panel back to full strength.
Council voted 4-0 on April 23 to appoint Amber Lapp. Council members Sarah Ishman and Roman Mason were absent.
Lapp takes over for Corey Ochai, who resigned in March. Family commitments were key factors in his departure. Ochai was in the first year of his second term.
In November 2023, he became the first Black man elected to borough council. It was for a two-year seat. He won reelection last year, this time for a four-year term.
Lapp will have to run in next year’s election to keep her seat.
Borough Manager Christine DeRunk said there were two people who expressed interest in filling the vacancy, but only Lapp came to be interviewed.
Lapp is an administrative coordinator and an employee resource group leader at RAND, a federally-funded nonprofit public policy research institution.
She has experience in project management, event planning, stakeholder engagement, marketing and design, according to her letter of interest to the borough.
Council interviewed Lapp at the meeting before voting.
She told council she had visited the borough multiple times and moved to town from Indiana County in January 2025.
“I think that gives me a unique perspective where I don’t have those deep ties to the community, but I have a deep connection to the community,” Lapp said.
“I just love Sharpsburg. I love the nature, the small businesses. The business district is almost all small businesses. I love the riverfront, obviously. I see a way for me to use my professional skills to have an impact on Sharpsburg. What I’m good at is enabling things, following up on things, moving things along. … I see a way to have a positive impact on what is already happening.”
Lapp said some of the things she would like to work on include zoning and environmental issues.
Councilman David Breingan, who was appointed to council twice, asked whether Lapp would see her term through.
“We’re working on a lot of long-term projects,” Breingan said. “It’s nice to have a stable team up here.”
Lapp, who has no previous political experience, said she does plan on being around for the long haul.
She told council she saw the vacancy on the borough website and liked the opportunity.
“I had been looking at ways to get involved, and this seems like more my speed,” said Lapp, who also makes jewelry.
Breingan nominated Lapp to fill the vacancy. She was sworn in by Mayor Kayla Portis shortly after the vote.
“Our newest council member is a perfect fit for Sharpsburg,” Portis said.
“She brings a strong passion for the environment and a genuine commitment to our community. It’s clear she cares deeply about Sharpsburg, and that kind of dedication is exactly what our town needs right now. (I’m) looking forward to the positive impact she’ll make.”
Councilman Jonathan Jaso said he looks forward to working with Lapp.
“I am excited to see what she brings to the group,” he said after the meeting. “A new perspective and new outlook from a relatively newer resident. I’m sure that she will rise to the challenges as we approach our bicentennial and be an outstanding contributor and problem solver for many years to come.”