Transforming Upper Gwynedd Township: New Leaders Bring Expertise and Innovation

Upper Gwynedd Township has welcomed two key figures to its leadership team, signaling a new era of progress and transparency. The township's commissioners have formally appointed Brian Shapiro as the new Finance Director and David Conroy as the new Zoning Officer and Planning Coordinator, replacing long-serving officials who are set to retire.

Unlocking Financial Transparency and Efficiency

The appointment of Brian Shapiro as the new Finance Director marks a significant milestone for Upper Gwynedd Township. Shapiro, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience, is poised to bring his expertise and innovative approach to the township's financial management.Shapiro's background includes stints in the North Penn area, where he served as the finance director for Lansdale Borough from 2007 to 2016 and later for Chalfont Borough. Most recently, he held the position of finance director for Montgomery Township, where he earned a reputation for his exceptional financial reporting and transparency."Brian has worked in the North Penn area before: he has worked in Lansdale Borough and then served a stint in Chalfont Borough before taking over as Montgomery Township's finance director in early 2021," said Township Manager Sandra Brookley Zadell. "We are very pleased to have Brian joining our team, and I am sure Montgomery (Township) is sad to lose him."Shapiro's expertise extends beyond his financial acumen. He is well-versed in the township's financial reporting software and has a proven track record of winning financial reporting awards in multiple municipalities. His appointment is expected to have a minimal budget impact, as he is replacing an existing position."He has an amazing record of bringing really wonderful transparency tools to the public with budgets, with some beautiful reports, he's got over 20 years of experience, and we're very excited to have him on board," Zadell added.Shapiro's arrival comes at a crucial time, as the township prepares for its upcoming budget workshops scheduled for October 22 and 29. His experience and innovative approach are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring the township's financial operations are streamlined, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the community.

Navigating the Zoning Landscape with Expertise

Alongside the appointment of the new Finance Director, Upper Gwynedd Township has also welcomed David Conroy as its new Zoning Officer and Planning Coordinator. Conroy brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as the director of planning and zoning for New Britain Township and the zoning officer for 15 years at Plymouth Township."He has 25 years of experience in the planning, zoning, and GIS fields, he is currently the director of planning and zoning with New Britain Township, and formerly he was the zoning officer for 15 years at Plymouth Township. So we're very excited to have him on board," said Assistant Manager Megan Weaver.Conroy's appointment comes as the township prepares for the retirement of its longtime zoning officer, Van Rieker, who plans to step down at the end of 2024. Rieker will transition to the role of assistant zoning officer, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities and institutional knowledge."He's going to be replacing Van Rieker, who is sadly retiring. I know, it's horrible, I can barely say it — but at the same time, we will be filling Van's shoes with Dave, and Van is going to stay on with us a bit, as a transition," Zadell explained.Conroy's expertise in the planning, zoning, and geographic information systems (GIS) fields is expected to be a valuable asset to the township. His experience in these areas will be crucial in navigating the complex zoning landscape and ensuring the township's development aligns with its long-term vision.

Embracing Change, Ensuring Continuity

The appointments of Brian Shapiro and David Conroy represent a significant shift in Upper Gwynedd Township's leadership, as the township prepares for the retirement of long-serving officials. However, the transition is being carefully managed to ensure continuity and a seamless transfer of knowledge and responsibilities."Van is going to stay on with us a bit, as a transition," Zadell said, highlighting the importance of maintaining institutional knowledge and ensuring a smooth handover of duties.The township's commissioners have expressed their enthusiasm for the new hires, recognizing the valuable expertise and innovative approaches they bring to the table."I am very excited to have a full cadre of employees, to do all of our good work that we do," Zadell said, underscoring the township's commitment to delivering exceptional service to its residents.As Upper Gwynedd Township embarks on this new chapter, the community can look forward to enhanced financial transparency, efficient zoning processes, and a renewed focus on sustainable development – all under the guidance of these experienced and dedicated professionals.