(Pictured Left to Right) Mandy Tolino and  Bina Patel 

February 2, 2023 – Allentown City Council unanimously confirmed the appointments of Mandy Tolino as Director of Parks and Recreation and Bina Patel as Director of Finance yesterday following Mayor Matt Tuerk’s recommendation to promote them to these Cabinet-level positions.

Mandy Tolino is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP). She most recently served as the Director of Trails and Conservation for the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L Trail).

“Mandy has a high commitment to excellence and is a talented leader,” said Mayor Tuerk. “I’m not only looking forward to seeing her lead our Department of Parks and Recreation to a new era in the City of Allentown, but also in becoming a valued team member on my cabinet as we seek to collaborate for the benefit of our residents.”

As Director, she will oversee the Parks Maintenance Bureau, Recreation Bureau, Special Events, Swimming Pools, and the Golf Course.

“I am honored to join the team of professionals in Allentown Parks and Recreation. The parks are an integral and beautiful part of the City. I look forward to helping provide clean parks as well as fun, safe recreational opportunities for all residents.”

Tolino has a bachelor’s degree in Plant Science/Agricultural Education and Landscape Horticulture from the University of Delaware. She earned a master’s degree in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the Biden School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware.

Bina Patel was the department’s Senior Financial Analyst prior to stepping up as Interim Deputy Director of Finance this past summer. She’s served the City for sixteen years, beginning her career as a tax examiner in Revenue and Audit.

‘I see my staff as my biggest asset,” said Patel. “The Finance Department is a success because we’re working as a team, and I am eager to continue collaborating with my team and other departments within the City.”

As Director, Patel will oversee the Finance and Budget Administration, Revenue and Audit, General Support Services, Procurement, Risk Management, Accounting and Financial Management, and Payroll.

“Bina is a talented finance professional and has also demonstrated significant ability in leadership,” said Mayor Tuerk. “She has led her bureau through a major effort to improve its function and will bring those skills to the role of department head and cabinet member. I’m eager for her to join my team as we work to empower our employees to better serve fully engaged stakeholders as we write the story of the future of Allentown.”

Patel has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bernard M. Baruch College and an accounting degree from Lehigh Carbon Community College.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Genesis Ortega
Communications Manager
Office of the Mayor
http://www.AllentownPA.gov

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