Certified Public Manager ® Alumni
2025 Graduation
On June 24, 2025, a cohort of eight talented public sector managers completed Pennsylvania's CPM program and received their nationally recognized designation as Certified Public Managers®. Leacock Township Manager Christopher Slaymaker, CPM reflected upon his experience in the 2022 CPM cohort and the opportunities it has opened for him. Millersville Borough Mayor David Aichele, CPM instructors and program staff, colleagues, and family members were in attendance as Dr. Victor DeSantis, Vice President for University Relations & Strategic Initiatives, presented this nationally accredited credential to each student.
Graduation
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Capstone Projects
2025
*Proposal to Create a Middle Management Development Program for the Philadelphia Water Department by Jillian Simmons, Unit Director, Philadelphia Water Department
*Askew Award winner
Implementing Smart Meters to Change Operational Process at Lewisberry Borough Electric by Yvonne Allard, Lewisberry Borough Manager
Volunteer Fire Service Preservation through Consolidation and Coordination by Diane Garber, Assistant Manager/Emergency Services Coordinator, East Hempfield Township
Community Benefits Prompted by the Implementation of the New Location of the Lancaster Township Woody Waste Facility by Devin Groff, Public Works Superintendent, Lancaster Township
Reconstructing Behavioral Mortality: Integrating Psychological Autopsies and the Behavioral Mortality Intelligence Platform for Prevention and Policy by Jeffrey Lange, Administrator, Delaware County Office of Medical Examiner
Strategic Planning for a Second-Class Township by Neil Lovekin, East Marlborough Township Manager
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Community-Specific Messaging by Anthony McLaughlin, Chief of Innovation and Effectiveness, Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services
Addressing Passive Leadership to Change Unfavorable Behaviors in an Organizational Culture Change Initiative by Col. Frank Shoaf, PAANG, Group Commander, PA Air National Guard
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George C. Askew Award
Purpose. This award, established in 1998, is given to acknowledge an exemplary capstone project, a vital component of each participant’s training.
The award-winning project should demonstrate the following criteria:
- Be innovative in its approach
- Demonstrate an improvement in quality within the work unit as a result of the project
- Show cost savings if the result of the implementation of the project
- Be an outstanding demonstration of CPM principles
- For recognition of other significant contributions
The Askew Award was named in honor of George C. Askew due to his unwavering commitment to exceptional management practices. Mr. Askew was a constant leader in the Georgia CPM Society, serving as President on two separate occasions, Board Chair, and numerous other offices and committee chair positions over nearly two decades. He served as American Academy of Certified Public Managers President in 1992-1993 and is a recipient of the Henning Award for professional excellence in public service.
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Testimonials
"When I completed the Certified Public Manager® program, I walked away with a certificate, yes—but also with something far more powerful: a new lens through which I saw my work, my leadership, and my purpose in public service."
Christopher M. Slaymaker, CPM
Leacock Township Manager
“The CPM program has strengthened my professional credibility by enhancing my communication skills, encouraging innovation in problem-solving and providing insight into my personality strengths and weaknesses.”
Neil Lovekin, CPM
East Marlborough Township Manager
“My skills, knowledge and abilities are very diverse. This credential allowed me to add a certification specifically associated with municipal government and public sector work to my tool belt. It filled a void that I didn’t realize existed.”
Diane Garber, CPM
Assistant Township Manager/Emergency Services Coordinator, East Hempfield Township