ALLENTOWN, PA – Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk announced today that Leonard Lightner has joined the Mayor’s Office as Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective Monday February 14.

Lightner most recently served as Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Allentown.

As COO, Lightner will be responsible for the management of all operations-related City affairs in alignment with the Mayor’s vision. He will supervise Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Community and Economic Development, and closely collaborate with Police and Fire departments.

“Leonard has a combination of professional experience and hands-on city experience that makes him the best qualified candidate for the job,” said Tuerk. “His ability to deliver on the Mayor’s vision and to coordinate resources to accomplish Allentown’s goals is exactly what I’m looking for. I need someone who gets where I’m coming from and is committed to operational excellence.”

Lightner holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Muhlenberg College and a master’s degree from Moravian Theological Seminary. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from Liberty University.

Vicky Kistler has been appointed the interim Director for Community and Economic Development while a search is conducted for a new director.

Kistler has served as Allentown Health Director for fifteen years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bloomsburg University and a master’s in Education and Community Counseling from Lehigh University.

Garry Ritter will guide the Health Bureau in the interim.
 
Information provided to TVL by:
Genesis Ortega
Communications Manager
Office of the Mayor
http://www.AllentownPA.gov

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