News of the upcoming exodus of the North Penn area’s longest-serving municipal manager – Hatfield Township’s Aaron Bibro – has left his colleagues, local politicians, and business partners with bittersweet thoughts and congratulatory well-wishes.
Hatfield Township Chief Bill Tierney used one word to characterize Bibro’s time as manager: Successful.
“Aaron came here during a difficult time. He quickly gathered everyone together as a team and went about the business of the township,” Tierney said, referencing the departure of Bibro’s predecessor Andrew Haines. “Hatfield is in a much better place now, fiscally and otherwise. Our Commissioners made a great pick when they hired Aaron.”
State Rep. Steve Malagari, D-53, said he and Bibro were able to develop a good relationship over the past three years.
“He has been such a champion for Hatfield Township,” Malagari said. “We started working closely together to make sure the township knew they had an ally in advocating for projects and concerns they had in Harrisburg.”
Bibro would call Malagari and keep him informed on the newest grant application or township legislation.
“We worked closely together for the 309 Connector Phase II construction to start and were equally happy to see the second phase come to fruition,” he said. “Aaron and I worked together to advocate for all types of infrastructure grants for the township as well.”
Commissioner Deborah Zimmerman said Bibro has been nothing but gracious and accommodating to any requests or ideas from the board. She said this characteristic was reflected in his interaction with the residents.
“An example is the pool mural coming this summer. Aaron acted as intermediary between myself, a resident and the artists on design, and he secured the funding from an outside source so as to not put the cost on taxpayers,” she said. “He always puts the township first and keeps an eye and an ear out for good projects and ways to pay for them.”
State Sen. Maria Collett, D-12, called Bibro “a great partner” and added she was “sad to see him go.”
“Under his exceptional leadership, Hatfield Township has grown and thrived, and he leaves big shoes to fill,” Collett said. “It has been my pleasure to work with him over the past four years.”
Tierney, half joking and half serious, said Bibro’s biggest achievement was recommending him for Chief of Police and guiding him on revitalizing policing in Hatfield Township.
“Then, once in the position, he gave me guidance and allowed me room to grow. Aaron’s leadership has allowed me to conduct the business of policing with his total confidence in what we do,” Tierney said. “He has seen to it that we remain on the forefront of policing in the region. I could ask for no more from a manager.”
Zimmerman said Bibro sincerely cares about the residents. During Hurricane Ida, she said, where residents were displaced from their homes, Bibro helped find them temporary housing and guided them through dealing with their damaged property.
“There are numerous examples of his kindness and helpfulness, and the residents could see this as well,” Zimmerman said. “He always tried to be fair, no matter the issue.”
Tierney does not have a lasting memory of Bibro: Their friendship is everlasting.
“We have grown into very trusting friends throughout his time here, and that is quite unusual in a work setting,” he said. “It has been perfect for what we needed to flourish as a department. Although he is leaving and he will be missed on a day-to-day basis, that friendship and trust remain.”
Zimmerman will miss all the times Bibro made her laugh.
“I can’t tell you how many times, but of course, his willingness to teach me the ropes and answer all my questions is right up there,” she said. “He will definitely be missed.”
Malagari said the community at-large is at a loss.
“Aaron will be missed greatly, but I am happy for his future endeavors and wish him and his family the best of success,” he said.
See also:
Hatfield Manager Plans to Resign in June After Nine Years with Township
Upper Gwynedd Hires New Township Manager
Montgomery Township Swears In New Officials, Appoints New Manager
Hatfield Borough Approves Interim Borough Manager
New Lansdale Parks and Recreation Director Search to Wrap Up by June
