Chester is hiring key professional staff with experience in finance, engineering, planning and development to help the city fulfill its mission of economic revitalization.

Richard Troutman was recently hired as the city’s new chief financial officer.

Troutman assumes responsibility for development, implementation and monitoring of the city’s budget.

He is a multifaceted financial leader with experience in Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits and privately-held construction, distribution, education, manufacturing and service industries.

Gamil Hall has been hired as director of Community and Economic Development and began her role on Monday, July 15, 2024.

Hall will oversee and manage several city departments and bureaus, including Economic Development, Planning and Zoning, Community Health, Building Standards, Safety, Community Housing and the city’s federal Housing Urban Department (HUD), Business Expansion Attraction and Retention, Special Events and Human Relations.

She most recently served as project manager for The School District of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

W. Paul Fritz began his new role on July 12 as the city’s director of Zoning and Planning. He will oversee, administer and enforce the city’s Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance – along with communication of those ordinances to Chester’s stakeholders such as residents, businesses and visitors.

Most recently, Fritz has served as design and technology division director for the Chester County Planning Commission, as well as principal for Oak Valley Land Planning + Design.

The city is currently reorganizing and restructuring its government operations in order to foster a healthier economy for those who live, work and play in Pennsylvania’s oldest city.

Mayor Stefan Roots outlined a plan to improve Chester’s finances and infrastructure during a State of the City address delivered June 25 at Widener University.

His plan includes reorganizing and streamlining city government, cleaning up and beautifying the city with the help of implemented rental registrations and trash clean-up, enhancing public safety policy, and attracting new businesses, residents and students by improving its college town.

“It’s no secret that this city has and continues to endure some great challenges – many that have tested the faith of its inhabitants,” Mayor Roots said.

“But Chester is also known for its resiliency, and I have the utmost confidence that these are the right individuals who will not only help the city back to its feet, but also usher it into a future of greater promise. It’s time for us all to work together to achieve the mission of permanent revitalization.”

Additional promotions and staff hires, effective July 10, include:

Mark Alexander was promoted to director of Parks and Recreation.

Andrew Hayman was hired as director of Public Works.

Shawn Draughn was promoted to supervisor of Streets in Public Works.

Gquan Wesley was promoted to park maintenance supervisor.

Kristin Motley was hired as Community Health Manager.

Aysia Pierce was relocated to the Finance department as grants manager.

Sean Chin was relocated to the Public Works department as assistant project manager.

Since 1995, the City of Chester has been under Commonwealth financial oversight in accordance with the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act (Act 47 of 1987).

Chester continues to manage multimillion-dollar deficits, past-due obligations to its employee pension plans, and marginal investments in its infrastructure.

In 2020, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania appointed Michael Doweary as the Receiver for the City of Chester, who filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy on the city’s behalf in 2022.

Find out more about the City of Chester’s leaders and governance,

Learn more about the city’s financial recovery plan.