Congratulations to the 2024 Graduates!
Nakeya Mosley
Borough of Ambridge
Blight Study and Data Inventory Collection Intern
In my role interning with the Borough of Ambridge, Beaver County, I identified and documented unfavorable neighborhood conditions to support revitalization strategies. This involved conducting detailed on-foot surveys, recording observations, and collecting photographic evidence of property conditions. The data was compiled and analyzed using GIS mapping software to provide a clear visual representation of the findings.
Matthew Thomas
Chartiers Township
Community Development Data Specialist Intern
As a Community Development Data Specialist intern at Chartiers Township, Washington County, my job was to expand the GIS System to incorporate building permits and Variances. To do this, I sorted through the township’s archived files, reviewing them for information to enter in the GIS database. During my time at Chartiers, I transferred all 3,100 Building permits and 450 Variances into the GIS system, leading to a more efficient way of identifying code compliant structures.
Jakob Wells
Churchill Borough
Public Detail Specialist Intern
As the Public Detail Specialist at Churchill Borough, Allegheny County, it was my job to assist with the preparation of the Borough’s Budget, Budget Narrative, and the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan. This effort was important as it helped the Borough to share how they spend taxpayer dollars, and explain how the budget aligns with the Borough’s values and desired outcome.
Christianne Accurso
Borough of Crafton
Land Value Tax Intern
As the land value tax intern for the Borough of Crafton, Allegheny County, I examined what the implementation of a land value tax in this municipality might look like, who it would affect and by how much. We met with various experts and policy makers to gather a greater understanding of the implications of this policy and what would be needed for it to be beneficial to the community, such as regular property assessments.
Gwenyth Prince
Jackson Township
Southwest Butler Regional Planning Intern
As an intern for Jackson Township, Butler County, my primary task was to conduct data analysis and research to help the township update its regional Comprehensive Plan. My research included conducting survey interviews with key stakeholders in the township including business owners, realtors, residents, and developers.
Marco Wertheimer
Jackson Township
Southwest Butler Regional Planning Intern
During my tenure with Jackson Township, Butler County, I gathered and analyzed local business data and collaborated with regional governmental leaders. These efforts have provided valuable insights for Jackson Township officials to better understand the township and regional business and development landscape, facilitating the creation of a fruitful Capital Improvements Plan.
Madyson Smith
City of Johnstown
Technical Coordinating Intern
During my time at the City of Johnstown, Cambria County, I conducted a thorough analysis of the software utilized by each department. In addition to these efforts, I successfully digitized a multitude of employee records and ordinances, thereby contributing to the preservation and accessibility of important historical documents.
Hailey McClain
Kilbuck Township
Community Engagement and Digital Initiatives Intern
During my internship at Kilbuck Township, Allegheny County, I facilitated the organization and execution of a successful community clean-up day for the Dixmont State Hospital Cemetery. This event addressed critical maintenance needs while promoting community engagement. Additionally, I developed a user-friendly and visually appealing website for Kilbuck Township entirely from scratch, using a new content management system.
Theodore Almeter
Borough of Leetsdale
Community Revitalization Intern
My primary focus during the internship in the Borough of Leetsdale, Allegheny County, was to create community resource guides to help residents better understand code enforcement, research potential grants and funding through historical preservation, and finally add new content to the Borough website. My projects at Leetsdale have helped spearhead the Borough’s digital outreach efforts, educate the community on the benefits of historical preservation, and help residents better understand the process of code enforcement.
Faith Turamye
Local Government Academy
Customer Relationship Management Software Intern
As a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software Intern, my primary focus has been on utilizing the software program to clean, organize, and optimize constituent data as well as integrate older data into the system. This data, transferred from a previous CRM system, required significant processing to become fully usable.
Faust Candide
Local Government Academy
Municipal Intern Program Coordinator
As the Municipal Intern Program coordinator, I worked with a range of municipalities, municipal managers, staff, and other key stakeholders, acting as the liaison between the placement sites and LGA. My main priorities included conducting one-on-one meetings, site visits, ensuring intern/supervisor satisfaction, and collaborating with staff.
Kevin Bertha
Municipality of Monroeville
Strategic Plan Intern
My role interning at the Municipality of Monroeville, Allegheny County, involved creating a comprehensive strategic plan by evaluating current policies, identifying areas for improvement, and suggesting practical strategies. I worked closely with municipal leaders to make sure our efforts were aligned with Monroeville’s long-term vision. In addition to policy evaluation, I facilitated meetings and communication with various local government departments and external partners.
Meredith Felde
Moon Township
Community Initiatives Coordinator Intern
Interning in Moon Township, Allegheny County, I was afforded the privilege of conducting research on the extensive archives of the Moon Historical Society. In addition, I spearheaded front-facing projects such as designing and distributing citizen stormwater management guides at the Moon Market. I am especially proud of my work producing a “Community Development 101” episode for the Moon Area Government television channel in collaboration with my supervisor Katie Stringent.
Kelsey Pohlig
North Versailles Township
Comprehensive Plan Analyst Intern
For my internship in North Versailles Township, Allegheny County, I was assigned to lay the foundation for an updated Comprehensive Plan, aimed at economic revitalization and community renewal. The central goal was to pinpoint the five critical issues to be addressed in the Comprehensive Plan. My findings were compiled into an extensive final report, offering the township a robust foundation for the updated Implementable Comprehensive Plan.
Jack Schlotter
Municipality of Penn Hills
Parks and Recreation Revitalization Intern
During my internship in the Municipality of Penn Hills, Allegheny County, my primary focus was supporting the implementation tasks of the Verona Oakmont Penn Hills Plum Trail Connector, a multi-municipal recreational trail project aimed at enhancing connectivity and recreational opportunities. Additionally, I was involved in preparing for monthly Zoning Hearing Board, Planning Commission, and Governing Body meetings.
Madelyn Kress
Pine Township
Human Resources Intern
As an intern in Pine Township, Allegheny County, my main task was to modernize the filing system by transferring documents to Isolved, which required sorting, scanning, and uploading files into the online system. Additionally, I was involved in various HR functions such as employee onboarding, workers' compensation, benefits administration, retirement planning, disciplinary actions, payroll processing, hiring processes, and employee relations.
Hannah Young
Pine Township
Human Resources Intern
As a Human Resources Intern at Pine Township, Allegheny County, my primary focus was on modernizing employee records into a clear and concise digital format and integrating all older files into this system. This modernization will significantly increase the efficiency of the HR department and township administration by centralizing all documents and information.
Isaac Stephens
Borough of Swissvale
Budget and Finance Intern
As the intern for the Borough of Swissvale, Allegheny County, I have focused on enhancing the borough's annual budget including improving the clarity and accessibility of budget information to make it easier for residents to understand fund allocation. My responsibilities included analyzing current budget elements, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategies to make the budget more valuable to the community.
Melinda Go
Turtle Creek Council of Government
Data Coordinator and Rental Property Analyst Intern
As a Data Coordinator and Rental Property Analyst I was responsible for enhancing community safety and regulatory compliance within the member municipalities. My primary task was to develop a “Top Ten LLC Offenders” list to assist the local code enforcement department using Act 90 to deny permits to repeat offenders, thereby promoting accountability and compliance among property owners.
Josephine Cantelmo
Borough of Verona
Comprehensive Plan Coordinator Intern
Interning for the Borough of Verona, Allegheny County, my main priority was to create a Comprehensive Plan to accompany the Strategic Management Plan. I developed a digital survey to gather residents’ feedback on various aspects relevant to the comprehensive plan, including community priorities, concerns, and aspirations. In tandem with the survey, I completed interviews with key stakeholders from the community to gather invaluable qualitative data.