Kiski Township is welcoming a new face in the municipal building.
James Murray was hired as the township’s new manager this month.
Murray has years of experience in public service, local government operations, policy development and constituent engagement, according to a release from the township.
“I’ve always really believed in the transformative power of government, and being able to use it to make people’s lives better,” Murray said.
He previously served as chief of staff for Pittsburgh City Council District 7 for six years.
“It’s an awesome opportunity,” Murray said about his new position. “I enjoyed meeting with the board of supervisors, and it seems like a really good fit.”
He recently earned his master’s degree in public policy and management from the University of Pittsburgh.
“The board of supervisors conducted a thorough search process and was impressed by James’ commitment to public service, his understanding of local government and his vision for community development,” supervisor Chairman Bob Ross, said in a statement from the township. “We believe he will be an excellent fit for Kiskiminetas Township and will help guide the township as we continue to improve services and strengthen our community.”
Murray will begin June 22 at an annual salary of $82,500.
“This felt like it was close to home, and I felt like I wanted to get back to serving people that are from the same roots as myself,” Murray said.
He was born and raised in Harmar and graduated from Springdale High School.
Murray will be filling the position of former full-time manager Patrick Bono, who resigned in January 2025. In the same month, the township brought on Jason Dailey as an interim manager.
Dailey’s business, Dailey Operation Consulting, based in West Deer, specializes in serving in whatever professional capacity a municipality might need during a time of transition.
The roving manager has worked on a temporary basis for Verona, Springdale, Sharpsburg, Lower Burrell, Kiski, McCandless and Allegheny Township, in addition to his full-time experience at West Deer and Crescent Township.
Ross said he and supervisor Mary Long formed a two-person committee to interview candidates for the manager position. He said they, and Dailey, interviewed about five or six candidates in 2025 and about eight to 10 candidates in 2026. Murray was one of three candidates to advance to an interview with the entire board of supervisors.
“We all liked James Murray,” Ross said. “We liked his resume. We liked the way he carried himself. We liked the way he talked. We like the way he dressed. We liked the way he talked to us.”
Ross said Murray was the unanimous choice.
“Throughout the interview process, James demonstrated a genuine passion for serving communities and a willingness to listen and collaborate. His experience working with elected officials, community organizations and residents will be a tremendous asset as we continue moving Kiskiminetas Township forward,” supervisor Brittany Hilliard said in a statement from the township.
Ross said that while Dailey’s work in the township is recognized and appreciated, he’s excited for the township to have a manager in the office to help residents on a full-time basis. Due to Dailey’s responsibilities in other municipalities, he was not able to be in the Kiski office full time.
“Now knowing that a manager is going to come into the township and be in the office on a regular hourly basis, it feels really good. I can’t wait for it to happen,” Ross said.
Following his start date, township leaders plan to host time for residents to meet Murray. Dailey will be staying on for some time to help Murray get acclimated to Kiski’s “nuances,” Ross said.
“I want to make sure people know they can communicate with me and that I can serve people,” Murray said. “If it’s something I’m not able to accomplish, I’m going to try my best and find the right paths to get people where they need to be.”