APMM Annual Conference
May 18 - 20, 2026
The Landing Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA
The Power Of you!
The Association of Pennsylvania Municipal Management (APMM) welcomed more than 300 municipal managers, appointed officials, corporate partners, sponsors, and exhibitors to its 2026 Annual Conference, held May 18–20 at The Landing Hotel in Pittsburgh. Centered around the theme “The Power of YOU!,” the conference brought together local government professionals from across Pennsylvania for three days of education, professional development, networking, and celebration of the municipal management profession.
The conference agenda featured a wide range of sessions focused on leadership, communication, organizational culture, mentorship, negotiations, public engagement, crisis management, and workforce challenges facing municipalities today. A keynote presentation by Jim Uhl, “The Arch: A Framework for Leadership & Life,” encouraged attendees to reflect on intentional leadership and personal growth, while breakout sessions offered practical tools for navigating complex public service environments. Attendees also connected through networking receptions, the annual golf outing at Cranberry Highlands Golf Course, sponsor and exhibitor events, and a Pittsburgh-themed experience that included a tour of Acrisure Stadium and the Steelers Hall of Honor Museum.
A centerpiece of the conference was the 78th Annual Business Meeting, where outgoing APMM President Dan Santoro reflected on the organization’s progress and introduced APMM’s new strategic plan. The plan emphasizes leadership development, member engagement, financial sustainability, operational structure, and long-term organizational growth. Members also expressed their appreciation to Santoro for his nearly two years of dedicated service as president, recognizing his steady leadership, professionalism, and commitment to strengthening APMM and the local government management profession.
APMM also extended sincere thanks to Conference Chair John Schwend and the full conference planning committee for their outstanding work in creating a thoughtful, engaging, and successful annual conference experience. Their efforts helped deliver a program that balanced professional learning, meaningful networking, and opportunities to celebrate the people and partnerships that make APMM strong.
Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor welcomed attendees during the Annual Business Meeting, highlighting the value of professional municipal leadership and the importance of collaboration among Pennsylvania communities. The meeting also featured an update from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), presented by Brandon Ford, Northeast Regional Vice President, and Kate Fitzpatrick, Northeast Regional Director. The update covered ICMA’s regional realignment, new member support initiatives, credentialing opportunities, professional development programs, civic engagement resources, SheLeadsGov programming, and advocacy supporting the council-manager form of government.
During the Annual Business Meeting, APMM elected its new Executive Committee leadership team: Crandall Jones of Upper Darby Township as President; Sara Gibson of Camp Hill Borough as First Vice President; John Schwend of the Town of McCandless as Second Vice President; Luis Campos of the City of Easton as Vice President At Large – East; Charles Gable of Gettysburg Borough as Vice President At Large – Central; and Harry Faulk of North Huntingdon Township as Vice President At Large – West.
Following his election, Jones delivered heartfelt remarks reflecting on his professional journey, his late mother’s encouragement, and the significance of becoming the first Black president in the more than 75-year history of the organization. He spoke emotionally about leadership, representation, mentorship, and the importance of opening doors for future generations in local government management. Jones also expressed gratitude to colleagues, mentors, friends, and family members who supported him throughout his career and acknowledged the importance of creating opportunities for broader inclusion and leadership within the profession.
The Annual Business Meeting also included recognition of past presidents, professional development milestone honorees, ICMA years-of-service recipients, and Dan Olpere Scholarship recipients. The conference concluded with the announcement of the 2027 APMM Annual Conference, which will be held May 17-19 at The Alloy Hotel in King of Prussia.
