Mark with daughter Kelley and son Aaron.

Congratulations to Mark Mansfield who was awarded the 2019 Joseph A. James Memorial Award, presented by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Council (SPC) at their board meeting in July. The Joseph A. James Memorial Award recognizes a municipal government elected or appointed official in any local government, agency, or Council of Government for a lifetime of exemplary governance or management. Mark certainly is deserving of this recognition and we are thrilled to see him honored in this way.

Mark joined Local Government Academy’s Board of Directors in 2000 and has worn many hats over the years including Board Chair and Vice-Chair. However, he is perhaps best known as the mastermind behind our annual Promoting Excellence Golf Outing, which support our operations and Michael Lynch Scholarship Fund. Thanks to his hard work, Local Government Academy has the resources available to help all communities, regardless of ability to pay, attend educational trainings.

Mark is known for his dedication to local government and elevating the standard for municipal management. Mark has worked for the Township of Upper St. Clair for 31 years, leading the development of a highly respected human resources program within the Township that serves as a model for other municipalities across the Commonwealth. In addition, Mark has also led the Western Pennsylvania Municipal Managers Association, playing a big part in enhancing communication between the western Pennsylvania municipal managers and other municipal managers across the Commonwealth.

The Joseph A. James Memorial Award is given in remembrance of Joe James, a noted scholar with the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. Criteria for the award include improving professionalism in municipal government; making a significant contribution to municipal government services; providing an outstanding service or facility; and advocating innovation and outstanding leadership in a local government cause. Mr. James was a lifelong advocate for intergovernmental cooperation and professionalism in local government and the award is presented annually by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Council presents this award annually to honor his legacy.