The Easy Way Out

In local government, the role of a municipal manager is critical. These individuals oversee daily operations, implement policies, guide strategic planning, manage budgets, and work closely with elected officials to address community needs. In Pennsylvania, where local government is heavily decentralized with more than 2,500 municipalities, the importance of strong, competent, and forward-thinking leadership cannot be overstated.

Yet, despite the complexity and significance of this role, many Pennsylvania municipalities still choose to forgo the use of professional search firms when hiring a manager. Instead, they opt for the "easy way out" — relying on internal hiring processes, word-of-mouth candidates, or minimal regional advertising. While this approach might seem more cost-effective or convenient in the short term, it often leads to long-term challenges that outweigh the initial savings.

When municipalities handle executive searches on their own, they often lack the resources and expertise to conduct a thorough, impartial, and far-reaching search. Hiring committees may be composed of elected officials or internal staff who, while well-meaning, may not specialize in executive recruitment. They might not know where to look for the most qualified candidates or how to properly vet them for both technical expertise and cultural fit.

Moreover, internal processes often rely heavily on local networks. This tends to limit the applicant pool, which can lead to hiring someone who is "known" rather than someone who is most qualified. This type of approach might feel comfortable, but it rarely introduces new ideas or much-needed change. It also increases the risk of political favoritism, which can damage credibility and trust among residents and municipal staff.

Professional search firms, such as Keystone Municipal Solutions, specialize in finding top-tier talent for leadership roles. They understand the unique challenges of municipal governance and have access to a larger pool of candidates. These firms bring a level of expertise and objectivity that internal hiring committees simply can’t match.

The expert team at KMS will work with municipal leaders to clearly define what the community needs in a manager, not just in terms of technical skills, but also leadership style, communication abilities, and long-term vision. Rather than waiting for candidates to come to them, they will energetically seek out individuals who may not be actively job hunting but are open to the right opportunity.

Background checks, reference interviews, and in-depth assessments ensure that only qualified and credible candidates advance to the final stages. Team KMS can structure interview panels, help craft questions, and ensure that all legal and ethical hiring standards are upheld. Once a candidate is selected, they assist with employment agreements and provide guidance on successful onboarding, as well as further mentoring if needed. An area that internal processes often overlook.

When municipalities skip the professional search process, they often end up paying more in the long run. A bad hire can lead to instability, staff turnover, stalled projects, and community frustration. Replacing a manager, especially one who left under contentious circumstances, is a costly and time-consuming endeavor. Additionally, a poor fit at the leadership level can erode employee morale and slow progress on key initiatives. At a time when local governments are expected to do more with less, municipalities simply can’t afford the inefficiencies that come with ineffective leadership.

Yes, hiring a search firm is an expense, but in truth it’s actually an investment in getting it right the first time. The long-term stability, improved performance, and public trust that come with hiring the right municipal manager far outweigh the short-term savings of a do-it-yourself approach.

KMS has a strong documented history of successful manager hires, as many Pennsylvania municipalities have set a strong example for our professional search team’s success. The results speak for themselves: smoother transitions, higher-caliber leadership, and improved public services.

In today’s complex and fast-changing municipal landscape, choosing the "easy way out" is no longer acceptable when hiring local government managers. Pennsylvania’s municipalities must prioritize leadership quality and process integrity by engaging KMS when filling important government leadership positions. Doing so isn’t just about filling a vacancy; it’s about building a foundation for long-term community success. Yes, you can “fire this thing up,” because it's time local governments stop cutting corners and start investing in leadership that can truly move their communities forward.

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About the Author

David L. Anthony is a member of the Keystone Municipal Solutions team of experts. He is a veteran of municipal government, having served more than 33 years in various positions of public service. Contact him at david@keystonemunicipalsolutions.com. To learn more about David and the Keystone Municipal Solutions team, click here.