Longtime secretary to retire in Forward Township

Supervisors credit Karen Stetor for keeping township business running smoothly.

After 15 years of helping Forward Township run like a well-oiled machine, beloved secretary Karen Stetor has decided to retire.

While supervisors didn’t vote on her resignation Monday night, they announced her decision before the meeting adjourned.

Chairman Tom DeRosa said while supervisors and their titles can change, Stetor will be hard to replace.

“One of the only people we can’t afford to lose is Karen Stetor. She is the most important person in this room and she has decided to resign,” DeRosa said. “We did not vote on it tonight, because we want to wait, but I will say this is a sad day for Forward Township. I don’t know if we can replace her, but we are going to have to try.”

Stetor has kept things organized during her time with the township, going above and beyond her job’s listed duties and responsibilities.

“I am ready to retire,” she said. “This has been quite literally my home away from home, and there are so many people I can thank that helped me through the past 15 years.”

She thanked current supervisors DeRosa, Dave Magiske and Dave Levdansky as well as past officials Tom Headley and Ron Skrinjorich.

Headley, a former supervisor, said Stetor made a huge difference when she was hired.

“I just also want to give you a note of thanks,” he said. “When you showed up and started getting things organized and kept them organized, it was a breath of fresh air. You ought to know that.”

Magiske also applauded her for a job well done.

“I want to extend my personal thanks,” he said. “All of the accolades you have received are well deserved. It’s been a great experience to work with you, I am not sure how we will ever replace you.”

Levdansky, who has only been a supervisor since the start of the year, also acknowledged the dedication she has to her job.

“Not withstanding the role of elected officials in the running of local government, really, the most important people to the operation of a good functioning local government is the staff,” Levdansky said. “We as supervisors might give guidance and direction, but the hard day-to-day work is done by them. I am new and have only been here for nine months, but I want to say from my perspective you handled your job professionally, in a well-organized manor, and not as just a secretary but even more so as a township manager. It was not just clerical, but administrative and your leadership skills are something to be admired.”

Stetor also thanked Amy Cline, who has served as the township’s representative to the Steel Rivers Council of Government for the past 12 years and organizes a successful concert in the park series, the township’s road crew and tax clerk Tina Marraccini, who has been her right hand in the office.

“I am here for the rest of the month, so if there is anything you need worked on, wait until October and we can go from there,” she laughed.

Her last day will be Sept. 30. Supervisors are expected to vote on her replacement at their Oct. 14 meeting.

In other business, supervisors announced that the summer concerts in the park series will end with a performance by The Barons from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 25. Admission and parking are free. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair. The concession stand will be open for refreshments.