Carolyn McCreary was officially appointed to the position of Township Manager during the annual Reorganization Meeting on Monday, January 6. Join us in welcoming Carolyn to our township, and read on to get to know her a little better. 

What’s your background in government?

Prior to this position, I was the Manager for Plumstead Township in Central Bucks County for 11 years.  I also worked as the Director of Finance for Lansdale Borough, and Accounting Manager for Upper Gwynedd Township.

What made you want to get involved with municipal government?

During my undergrad, I took a class called Government Accounting, where I got a little taste of what government work might be like. I then went onto work as an Internal Auditor for Montgomery County Community College, and realized I loved working for a community. I knew then that working in local government would be a great fit for me. In government, you have the chance to watch special projects come to fruition and benefit the community. Whether it be a park, special program, road improvement, etc., you are there from that first grant application, through Board approvals, to the birth of that special project. In government, your work can make a difference in the day-to-day life of your residents and community, and that’s pretty awesome.

What do you like most about being a township manager?

Definitely the diversity of the work. No two days are the same!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in government?

Following my MPA, Villanova asked to speak to some students who were currently pursuing their Master of Public Administration.  I told them- if you like to know what you’re in for every day, local government is not for you, but if you want to have your hands in many things this is the level of government you want to be in.   I think it’s important for students interested in local government to speak to someone who works in local government, in the department in which they are interested in.  If it’s local enough, go to municipal meetings, and consider volunteering on a committee!

What are you most excited about in your new role here at Montgomery Township?

The newness of it! The challenges are going to be unique to this community and the people in it. It’s also a professional reset for me, and I think that is important to do.

What does true leadership mean to you?

Setting a standard or “the bar” through your actions. I believe leadership is much more showing than it is telling. Leadership is not being afraid to roll up your sleeves and work collaboratively on a project, but then also being able to be the ultimate decision maker when necessary. Leadership is balance. At the end of the day, I believe that if you want respect and support, you have to give respect and support.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

Spending time with my two grandchildren. I also love to read, but don’t read enough, or as much as I would like to.  My goal for this winter is to read one book a week!

What genre do you prefer?

I’m all over! The only genre I would say I am not totally into would be Historical Fiction.

What are some fun facts you could share with us so we can get to know you better?

I love Disney world! I didn’t get there until I was an adult, but I have been there 10 times now with my family. I also love the Jersey shore, and feel so fortunate that on a sunny day in the summertime, I can get to the beach in about two hours!

What are you passionate about?

I have a heart for children.  I support charities who focus on children, and sponsor several children in Africa.

What is one thing you could not live without?

My faith, my kids and grandkids.