Jim Thorpe Borough Council selected its leadership for 2026 during a reorganization meeting Monday night, voting 4-3 to appoint Connor Rodgers as council president.

Rodgers received votes from himself, Alice Roberti, Lyle Augustine and Sydney Wernett. Voting in favor of Mike Yeastedt, the only other presidential nominee, were Joanne Klitsch, Yeastedt and Tom Chapman.

Yeastedt was then unanimously voted council vice-president.

Following the vote, Rodgers thanked residents and fellow council members and outlined several priorities he said he intends to focus on during his term, including meeting efficiency, modernization of borough operations and increased public use of borough facilities.

“I want to take this moment to thank the borough residents for the opportunity to serve in this position, as well as my fellow council members,” Rodgers said. “Over the next few years, I think there is a lot of work we can do to create positive change.”

Rodgers, a 22-year-old software analyst, said improving the efficiency of council meetings is a key goal, citing feedback he has received from residents.

“I want to focus on my role as council president while making these meetings faster and more efficient,” Rodgers said. “I’ve heard from residents who say they don’t like attending meetings because they are long, drawn out and not very efficient. I hope to change that, and I appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we work toward that goal.”

He also discussed efforts to modernize borough operations, emphasizing that his comments were not a criticism of borough employees.

“I’m not focusing on efficiency because of any shortcomings by our staff,” Rodgers said. “Our staff does a very good job, but a lot has changed over the years. In the 21st century, we can leverage improvements in public government, such as technology, to bring our operations further into the modern era.”

He also spoke about expanding public access to borough-owned spaces, including Memorial Hall where council meets.

“I look forward to this space we’re sitting in being used more by the public,” Rodgers said. “We have a remarkable building, and we are very fortunate to have it. I really look forward to having public and community events here that are geared toward residents. Residents fund this building, and they deserve to be able to spend time here.”

Rodgers also referenced ongoing improvements to Memorial Park.

“We have Memorial Park being upgraded and enhanced, and we’re still working on grants and grant applications for that project,” Rodgers said. “I think it will be another great place for residents to spend time.”

Rodgers was elected to borough council in 2023. Prior to that, he served as Jim Thorpe’s first junior councilperson, holding the position for two and a half years while he was a high school student. He graduated in 2025 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business analysis from Grove City College.

Also during Monday’s reorganization meeting, new council members Augustine and Roberti, who are husband and wife, were sworn in.