New Souderton Borough Manager Stacy Crandell got to work Monday, replacing Mike Coll who is retiring after 40 years at the helm as borough manager.
Outgoing, knowledgeable, and personable, Crandell said she believes this opportunity will bring her to the next professional level and can help with Souderton’s continued growth.
Coll agreed to stay on to assure the transition is seamless. Crandell said she’s looking forward to Mike’s mentorship and the chance to absorb as much of his wisdom, perspective and experience as possible.
Stacy is Souderton’s fourth manager since the position was created in 1964. She’s the first woman to hold the job.
Crandell is a resident of Chalfont and carries with her a master’s degree in Business Administration from Holy Family University with a concentration in Public Administration. She is leaving Doylestown Township after almost two years as the assistant township manager.
Stacy brings an extensive business background to the table for Souderton; 13 years in municipal government, another three years in government work, including an almost two-year stint working with former Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick.
Her expertise ranges from project management, social media skills, budget preparation, grant applications, septic management to MS4 (stormwater) requirements.
Stephanie Mason, Doylestown Township manager, stated, “Stacy will be missed by everyone in the township. The staff, volunteers, and the board all enjoyed working with Stacy. While she was here, she was an asset to the township with regards to a variety of projects. Everyone at the township wishes Stacy all the best as manager of Souderton Borough.”
Behind the scenes over the past year, Stacy Crandell was eyeing up the potential prospect of an opening for Souderton’s borough manager. Crandell had worked with Souderton’s Police Chief Brian Newhall when she worked in Worchester Township as assistant manager of the Montgomery County municipality.
She had also met Mike Coll previously in various meetings and said she had a good impression of him and Souderton Borough. She was aware that an opening was pending and started following events in Souderton. Stacy said she saw Souderton’s recent growth and improvements and wanted to be a part of it.
Julie Munden, Souderton Borough Council member and head of the search committee for Mike Coll’s replacement, stated; “The borough manager search for Souderton was the single most important initiative that we dedicated ourselves to for the past year. After receiving fifteen applications and personally interviewing eight potential candidates, it became clear that Stacy Crandell was our next borough manager. She displayed immense interest and knowledge of Souderton. Through following our public meetings and reading minutes, Stacy showed us that she was beyond capable of taking on this valued role in our community. We couldn’t be happier that she accepted our offer, and we look forward to the future of growing our beloved Souderton Borough with her as our manager.”
When asked what Souderton residents should know about her, professionally and personally, Crandell responded: “I have a passion for local government and really want to help people. I am impressed with Souderton’s community events and love the small-town feel. I am dedicated to my profession, I am enthusiastic, fair and a good listener. I consider myself a work in progress and continue to grow.”
She stated that her greatest assets she brings to the job will be her communications skills, planning and her diverse business background.
Her three top goals will be to assess Souderton’s website, capital projects and the various operations for any possible improvements.
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