Phoenixville Borough Manager Jean Krack will retire in the spring of 2027 after 18 years in the position, Borough Council President Jonathan Ewald announced Tuesday evening.
Ewald made the announcement at the end of the August 11 council meeting, describing it as one he delivered "with some hesitation and a bit of sadness."
"Jean has been an extraordinary public servant, an important part of Phoenixville's story, for nearly the last two decades," Ewald said.
Ewald credited Krack with helping guide the borough through downtown revitalization, economic development, major infrastructure and capital projects, and the expansion of municipal services. He said Krack helped build an organization that is financially responsible and professionally managed, while establishing a grant record that ranks among the strongest in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Ewald also pointed to Krack's work assembling and mentoring the borough's staff as one of his most significant contributions.
"He's recruited, mentored, and supported talented people and created a culture of professionalism and service that will continue well beyond his tenure," Ewald said.
Ewald described the borough manager role as "much more than managing the organization," saying it requires a relationship with council built on trust, candor, and a willingness to tell council members what they may not want to hear. He said the community today is markedly different from the one Krack began serving 18 years ago.
Under Phoenixville’s council-manager form of government, Borough Council sets policy while the borough manager serves as the municipality’s chief executive officer and oversees day-to-day operations. The manager administers borough departments and services, prepares the municipal budget, implements council directives, coordinates with other government agencies, supports economic development, and oversees key borough priorities.
Search for a Successor
Ewald said council will outline a recruitment and selection process for the next borough manager in the coming weeks. He said council would approach the search "thoughtfully, transparently, and with the goal of finding the right person to lead Phoenixville into its next chapter."
Krack's retirement remains months away, Ewald noted, giving council time to complete the transition and formally recognize his service.
After Ewald concluded his remarks, Krack received a standing ovation from those in attendance.
