Township Manager

Michael H. Gossert

Michael H. Gossert is pleased to serve in the key role of Township Manager for Lower Paxton. He is an accomplished public administrator and business leader with over 27 years of experience in local government, finance, and organizational leadership. A seasoned servant leader, he has held both elected and appointed positions across Pennsylvania, earning a reputation for strategic insight, fiscal stewardship, and collaborative governance.

He most recently held the Township Manager role for West Hanover, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets and leading multidisciplinary teams of professionals in finance, engineering, law enforcement, and community development. His career further includes leadership roles as Manager and Assistant Manager for Hampden Township, Vice President of Client Relationships at M&T Bank, and Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Quandel Enterprises.

As a former elected School Board Director for the Cumberland Valley School District, Michael has served as both President and Vice President, and chairs of the Finance, Facility, Policy, and Negotiations Committees. His work has guided major capital projects without increasing annual debt service. He has also been deeply involved in developing long-term strategic plans to manage district growth while maintaining educational excellence.

Michael’s financial acumen extends across public and private sectors, with expertise in municipal budgeting, debt structuring, credit analysis, and institutional finance. He has led complex borrowing and capital projects throughout his career, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with state and federal mandates.

An engaged community leader, Michael has served as President of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA), Chairman of the Pennsylvania School District Liquid Asset Fund (PSDLAF), and a board member of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber. His civic involvement also includes leadership roles with the United Way and the American Heart Association.

A proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Michael holds a Master of Science in Public Administration from Shippensburg University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy from Pennsylvania State University.

Outside of his professional life, he enjoys fishing, gardening, grilling, and coaching youth sports.