POTTSVILLE – The City of Pottsville voted unanimously to appoint Robert J. Straebel as City Administrator, along with approving an employment contract, during their monthly meeting on Monday evening.
An announcement posted on the city’s website before the meeting describes Straebel as having a “distinguished career,” having served communities such as Charlevoix and Petoskey, Michigan, and St. Michaels in Maryland. Straebel is cited as holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Ferris State University and a Master of Public Administration degree with a concentration in Local Government.
The Process
Following the resignation of Ian Mahal in August of 2025, the council had been served by City Clerk Lisa Shuman, who had been acting city administrator.
With the inauguration of the new administration, the hiring of Templeton Advantage, a private recruiting firm, was approved during a special meeting in January to assist in the search for a new administrator. With the process producing a field of 15 applicants
Solicitor Gretchen Sterns then described how the city’s fair hiring board took over reviewing all applications and conducted initial interviews. City Council, elected officials, and chiefs followed with more interviews, narrowing it down to Straebel.
When it came time to vote, a motion was made by Councilman Scott Price and seconded by Councilman Jonathan Marsh. The vote passed unanimously.
Straebel Speaks
Following the vote, Straebel, who was in attendance, would address the council.
“This is truly an exciting time…” Straebel said before continuing, “not only for me personally but for I think the City of Pottsville. PADCO {Pottsville Area Development Corporation} is doing some wonderful work, and I’m looking forward to working with the new executive director, all of staff, mayor and city council.”
“It’s an honor to be back into the game and doing some great public service for the City of Pottsville,” Straebel said.
Members of Council Speak
Speaking after the vote, Andy Wollyung said, “I have to say I was the first one to throw judgment at how this was gonna work. The hardest decision we’ve had to make was getting through a lot of great people to see what got brought forth to the city, and I think there’s some good people to come yet from it.”
“But Mr. Straebel, it was a full support vote from us here to you.” Wollyung continued. Going on to state council spent “a lot of time on this,” and thanked the other candidates who applied and those who made the interviews possible.
Meanwhile, in the announcement on the city website, it quotes Mayor Thomas Smith as saying, “Mr. Straebel brings an impressive depth of municipal leadership experience and a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Pottsville.”
According to the announcement, Straebel is expected to begin serving in the position within the next few weeks.