Retired Union County election director recognized with House citation
LEWISBURG — Three state legislators on Tuesday honored a longtime election director who retired in Union County in December.
At Tuesday's public meeting of the Union County Board of Commissioners, state Reps. David Rowe, R-85, and Jamie Flick, R-83, were joined by Darwin Swope, the office manager of state Rep. Stephanie Borowicz, R-76, to present Greg Katherman with a House citation. Katherman, of Mifflinburg, retired in December after 16 years as the election director for Union County.
"Every time I ever heard anyone interact with the Union County election office, nothing but the highest of praise for Greg for all the amazing work he's done," Rowe said. "Obviously, in this era when the world of politics can be so vitriolic and hostile, I think it's more important than ever to know that people understand they can trust, and their elections are being run well locally."
Rowe praised the election office for being organized and counting and tracking ballots correctly.
"Faith in our local election is of the utmost importance when we look at getting people engaged on the political side," Rowe said.
Formerly employed in the banking industry for 28 years, Katherman was named election director on Jan. 29, 2009. Katherman, a member of the Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, led the department through five presidential elections and the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Throughout his career, he demonstrated remarkable knowledge, ability and integrity in carrying out his many responsibilities, thus earning the respect and gratitude of all those who received the benefit of his tireless devotion to duty," according to the citation.
Katherman is congratulated on his "well-deserved retirement" and recognized for his "exemplary record of service in keeping with the highest ideal and traditions of this commonwealth," according to the citation.
Katherman said he didn't know anything about running an election office when he first started.
"It's been a great place to work, it's been great serving the people," Katherman said. "It's been a great ride."
Commissioner Jeff Reber also praised Katherman.
"It's been an honor to work with you, Greg," Reber said. "We've seen how respectful and courteous you are to anyone."
Katherman was replaced by deputy Election Director Laura Seward, who was hired on Sept. 11, 2023, as Katherman's deputy.
At Tuesday's meeting, the salary board approved the hiring of Kathryn Dye as a temporary part-time clerical office assistant for $15.80 an hour.
In other business, the commissioners approved:
* A five-year contract for $1,998 with the United States Business Registration as a service provider for Award Management Registration Filing Services in relation to federal grants.
* The 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan for Union County that identifies where the vulnerabilities are within the county and assists with certain types of nonemergency disaster assistance.
* A reimbursement agreement with PennDOT for a county-owned bridge over White Deer Hole Creek on Old Mill Road in Gregg Township.
* A letter of resignation from adult probation officer Christopher Lavalle, effective March 3.
* The hiring of Shalyn Rager as a DRO Support Caseworker in Domestic Relations for $17.84 an hour; and Alysha Aikey as a part-time temporary deputy in the prothonotary's office for $21.40 an hour.
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