A White Haven woman has been tabbed to lead Palmerton into the future.

On a 6-0 vote, borough council on Thursday appointed Autumn Canfield as borough manager/secretary/treasurer to replace Donna McGarry, who is retiring.

Canfield was hired at a salary of $94,000, effective as soon as she is available to start.

After her appointment, council members welcomed Canfield into the fold.

“So many people are excited to have you join us,” Councilman Andrew Hollywood said.

Afterward, Canfield thanked council for her appointment, and said she was looking forward to the opportunity.

A new position

Canfield serves as the assistant manager of Tobyhanna Township, a position she has held for the past five years.

Before that, she was the special projects coordinator for Doylestown Township.

A dual graduate of Delaware Valley University, Canfield has a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s in policy studies.

Canfield said that initially, she had very little information about the borough.

“Upon learning of the opening, I did a lot of research to see what the culture and atmosphere were like,” Canfield said. “Ultimately, I decided this was a community I would be honored to be a part of.”

Canfield said that since the formal appointment was just on Thursday, she will need to finalize a plan with council for a start date.

“Out of respect for my current employer, I will be providing notice of my departure and will work with them through the transition,” she said. “I hope to start at the borough immediately thereafter.”

Canfield said that as with any change, being chosen for the position was a “mix of anxious, excitement, and even humility.”

“The members of council, as well as the staff have been wonderful through this entire process. All of the mixed feelings come from the same place of an absolute desire to prove I am worth their time and efforts, and to show they’ve fulfilled their goal of making the best decision for their community.

“I’m anxious to get started, excited for the new opportunity, and humbled by the confidence the council has in me.”

Canfield said she believes her skills will serve her well in her new position.

“In my time in local government, I’ve had the chance to learn so much and hone a variety of skills I think will be of use to the borough,” she said. “First and foremost, I would highlight my project management and grant application and administration experience. Among others, these will be an asset in the continued positive trajectory of the community.”

Canfield said that more than anything, Palmerton “reminds me of my hometown.”

“Clean, quaint, and full of life,” she said.

She cited “bustling business, people jogging or walking, families out in the park” as examples of the spirit of the community.

Canfield shared her goals.“In learning about the borough, my goal is to maintain the beauty and character of the area, and work to enhance all of the positive attributes that already exist,” she said. “While I believe my skills will be an asset, I also look forward to all of the potential for learning and growth that I am sure I will encounter.

The hiring process

In October, council accepted McGarry’s retirement, effective April 11.

Afterward, council hired the Lafayette College Meyner Center at the rate of $105 an hour, up to $7,000, to help it find McGarry’s successor.

McGarry became borough manager in April 2019, after she succeeded longtime borough Manager Rodger Danielson.

McGarry, 61, has been employed by the borough for 35 years.

Her salary is $86,000.

McGarry explained how council arrived at its decision to hire Canfield for the position.

“Autumn impressed the personnel committee throughout the interview process,” McGarry said. “When the personnel committee made her their recommended candidate, she then came before all of council. After that interview, there were no reservations from council that she is a good choice.”

McGarry said 19 candidates who applied for the position. Of those, council first interviewed six candidates, and then narrowed it down to three. From that point, she said Canfield was recommended by the personnel committee.

“Throughout the interview process, Autumn was professional, confident, and personable,” she said. “I believe she will be a great fit for the borough.”