Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Hill joins Harrisburg’s oversight board, bringing ICA back to full strength

ICA board member Ralph Vartan (center) introduces new member Doug Hill (left) as board Chair Audry Carter looks on.

Harrisburg’s state-appointed financial oversight panel is back to full strength, as a new member has been appointed to fill an opening.

On Wednesday, Doug Hill, the executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, attended his first meeting of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority (ICA), appointed by Senate Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati.

“I know he’ll be a great addition to our board,” Vartan said, introducing Hill. “On a personal note, I’m excited to serve with him.”

A Harrisburg resident, Hill replaces David Schankweiler, who resigned in September from the board for unspecified reasons. Hill joins members Audry Carter, Tina Nixon, Ralph Vartan and Kathy Speaker MacNett, as well as two non-voting members.

“My wife and I have lived in Harrisburg for 12 years,” Hill said, in explaining his interest in joining the board. “We’re impressed with how the city has turned around, and I want to be part of this turnaround.”

The ICA is tasked with overseeing the city’s five-year financial recovery plan, which will allow Harrisburg to exit Act 47, the state’s program for financially distressed municipalities.

Moreover, the ICA on Wednesday identified three overall themes to advance the financial recovery of the city. These are:

    • Sound financial management and reporting
    • Community and economic development
    • Operational excellence

ICA members are appointed for the expected five-year lifespan of the board. To serve, they must live in or own a business in the city.

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