Lower Burrell city manager takes township manager's position in Harrison

Harrison’s gain is Lower Burrell’s loss as Amy Rockwell, Lower Burrell’s city manager, has been hired as the new township manager for Harrison.

Rockwell, a Lower Burrell resident, has been Lower Burrell’s city manager and administrator since 2018. She will start her job as Harrison’s manager in early 2023 at a salary of $115,000. Township supervisors hired Rockwell on Monday.

Previously, Rockwell worked for a dozen years as a manager in Millvale and Upper Burrell as well as a stint as acting city clerk for Lower Burrell.

“The township manager position is an excellent opportunity for the next step in my career in public service,” Rockwell said. “It will allow me to combine my experience in Lower Burrell and my Alle­gheny County experience in Millvale to serve this diverse community as they look toward the future.”

Rockwell’s departure is a loss to the city, Lower Burrell Councilman Chris Fabry said.

“Her experience, diligence, intelligence and resources won’t be easily replaced,” he said. “We’re going to miss her.”

In Harrison, Commissioner Jim Erb is happy to have Rockwell aboard.

“Amy brings a lot to the table, as is evident by her resume and experience,” Erb said.

Rockwell’s experience, coupled with the township’s existing staff, will provide residents with “a township office second to none,” Erb said.

Rockwell replaces former Harrison Township Manager John Pallone, who resigned in late September after only six months on the job. Pallone was hired at a salary of $80,000.

Pallone, is a former superintendent of the New Kensington-Arnold School District and former five-term state legislator.

Leaving Lower Burrell will be bittersweet, Rockwell said.

She said she is proud of her work with Lower Burrell’s leadership on key projects including the city’s new website, improving accounting and billing software, renovation of City Hall and other city facilities that came in under budget, and bringing in more than $1 million in grants.

“Lower Burrell is my hometown, and my family has served our community for generations,” she said. “I am grateful to have had this opportunity to serve the community much the same as my previous generations.”