Eden Ratliff, who was hired by Kennett Township in the wake of the scandal involving former manager Lisa Moore’s theft of more than $3.2 million, has announced his resignation, effective Feb. 1, 2024.

Ratliff will soon serve as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Charlottesville, Va.  In a release posted on the township’s website on Jan. 9, it stated that the township’s Board of Supervisors has retained Roseann McGrath, an experienced local government Human Resources and Executive search professional, to help fill Ratliff’s role, and that Finance/Human Resources Director Amy Heinrich, will serve as interim manager upon Ratliff’s departure.

“It is with mixed emotions that I announce my departure from Kennett Township to pursue another career opportunity,” said Ratliff. “Nearly four and a half years ago the Township entrusted me with the responsibility of stabilizing the Kennett Township government and professionalizing the services we provide to this great community. I am forever grateful for the trust the Board of Supervisors had in me, the opportunity to serve the public, and am proud of all that we have accomplished.”

The Board of Supervisors officially hired Ratliff as the new manager at their Aug. 21, 2019 meeting. Ratliff, who was selected from a field of 33 applicants, began his new position on Sept. 23 of that year. Prior to joining the township, he served as borough manager and chief administrative official of the Borough of Greencastle in Franklin County, Pa., where his duties included creating and administering municipal operating budgets; developing a strategic vision for the borough; implementing a comprehensive asset management program for utility operations; and serving as chief administrative official, code enforcement officers and treasurer for the borough.

A native of West Chester, Ratliff also previously served for two years as borough manager and chief administrative official for the Borough of Ford City near Pittsburgh. At Ford City, he managed long-term contracts, created and administered annual municipal budgets and negotiated a collective bargaining agreement.

In the release, Ratliff extended his praise to the township’s administration for their dedication during what had been a time of serious transition that helped steer the township from the derision of the Moore scandal to a municipality that has upgraded and stabilized its methods of financial record keeping.  

“Working in Kennett Township was an intense rebuild project and there are many great professionals who enthusiastically joined this team to help,” Ratliff stated in the release. “They are dedicated public servants who make this government run smoothly and professionally daily. Collaborating with them has been a great honor and I will cherish the memories and progress we made together.” 

Ratliff also praised his time volunteering as a firefighter with Longwood Fire Company noting the members are “incredible professionals with unimaginable dedication.”  

 “Charlotteville is on a mission to sustain stability within its local government and as I join that effort, I know the experiences I have gained in Kennett Township will serve me well,” Ratliff stated. 

The township’s supervisors highlighted Ratliff’s contributions to the township.

 “It seems like a lifetime ago that Eden came on board to help this township, and his impact will be visible for many years to come,” said Supervisor Richard Leff.  “He was a tireless advocate for Kennett Township and a person willing to make necessary changes, regardless of past practices in our community.” 

 “Eden’s leadership, strategic visioning, determination, and trustworthiness will be greatly missed,” said Supervisor Geoff Gamble. “His tenure in Kennett Township was never easy but his passion and commitment for public service never wavered.” 

“Eden did this township and immediate region an incredible service,” said newly elected Supervisor Pat Muller. “I am amazed at how he held his composure through everything some members of this community threw at him.” 

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email [email protected].