There is a new change to Harrison Township’s administration.
At Harrison Township’s committee regular business meeting on August 17, the committee approved the appointment of a new township administrator.
Dale L. Archer will replace Dennis Chambers as township administrator.
Back in late June, the township posted it was looking to hire a new township administrator. It is a full-time position.
The application described the role as a “key leadership position responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of municipal government, working closely with the Mayor, Township Committee, staff, and community stakeholders to help ensure the continued success of our township.”
It also asked for experience in “municipal management, budgeting, economic development, and local government operations.”
Archer, the new administrator, is well-experienced. He is the former mayor of East Greenwich Township, serving from 2014 to 2024. His decade of experience as mayor on a local town committee has prepared him for a role like township administrator.
Chambers, who provided his last township administrator report at the meeting, has been an important part of Harrison Township for years. He took on the role of township administrator in 2023, and he has since assisted the town throughout its endeavors.
Additionally, Chambers is the township’s superintendent of public works. He has been in this role for over a decade. While he is stepping down from his role as administrator, he will continue to serve as the superintendent.
“I do want to thank Dennis for all his years with the (administration) and being thrown into it and doing the work of multiple people, not just the work of the person replacing Mr. (Mark) Gravinese,” Mayor Adam Wingate said before the adjournment of the meeting.
Gravinese became the township administrator in 2012 and served for 11 years. He recently passed away at 68 years old in April.
“Mr. Chambers is not going anywhere. I can’t stress that any more,” Wingate said. “Dennis has devoted his life to Harrison Township and I believe always will. You’ve done a lot of good for us.”
Chambers said he is looking forward to working with Archer and helping him throughout their transition of roles.
“I’ve known Dale for 15 years. However I can help him, I will,” Chambers said.
The next committee meeting work session is on Monday, September 7, and the next committee regular business meeting is on Monday, September 21. Both meetings begin at 7 p.m.
Harrison Township’s latest committee regular business meeting took place on the evening of August 17.
