Borough manager retires, successor named

There was a changing of the guard recently at Atglen Borough as Cristi Hahn was named new borough manager, succeeding Caren Andrews, who retired on March 31.

For her final day after 11 years on the job, several local residents and borough officials called or stopped in to wish Andrews well, with many bearing cards and small gifts.

Hahn, who was the borough's administrative assistant, applied for the job of borough manager in December 2024. She was interviewed by a subcommittee of the borough council. "I went through the same process as any applicant," noted Hahn.

After Hahn accepted the new job, Andrews provided her with on-the-job training. "One of the huge advantages in that I work here already is that we got a good two months of training in, where I could shadow Caren and learn some of the ins and outs of things I had not been familiar with," said Hahn.

The Atglen borough manager is responsible for managing borough accounts, helping to plan projects and working closely with the public works staff. "The title is borough manager/treasurer/secretary and right-to-know officer," Hahn explained. "There is the financial aspect with budgeting and bills; there is the secretary portion of it with taking minutes at the council meetings; and (there is) grant writing."

"We are unique in that we provide public water and sewer to the community, and as a result, there is a lot of knowledge the manager has to have to manage those infrastructures," noted Andrews. She pointed out that this includes dealing with water issues and emergency management, such as working with the staff in preparation for an impending snowstorm.

"She is the face of the borough," said Andrews.

"Some of (the duties) will be carrying on programs that are already in place," said Hahn, citing the Hometown Heroes Banner Program, which honors local veterans and active-duty military members by displaying banners on the borough's light posts. "Caren is the one who started the veterans' banner program back in 2016. Now it will be my job to continue it."

Andrews said that she is most proud of the Atglen Borough Hall Park, which was built during her tenure. Creating the park was a team effort between the borough's Park and Recreation Commission and other groups with help from state and county grants.

Andrews said her plans for retirement include golfing and playing pickleball, spending time with family, traveling and continuing to volunteer in the community. "People have done a lot of good things for me, and I want to find my niche to do that for others," she said. "I am looking forward to that."

Hahn said although it was unexpected, she is excited to begin a new chapter in her career.

"I started out teaching elementary school, (and) I worked part time at two churches and a preschool. I always liked jobs where I was doing something for the community," said Hahn. "When this job (of administrative assistant) opened up, it seemed like a good fit for me. It sort of evolved, but I didn't take my job six years ago expecting I would ever be the borough manager."

"She will do phenomenal," added Andrews.