Published April 08. 2026 12:35PM
Catasauqua Borough Manager Glenn Eckhart was named a 2026 Borough Manager of the Year March 26 by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.
According to a news release, the annual event celebrating local mayors and municipal officials brought together more than 300 people and 40-plus municipal leaders to the Delta by Marriott to “celebrate the vibrant communities that come together to form the greater Lehigh Valley region.”
The release noted municipal leaders, business professionals and community stakeholders from Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe counties in Pennsylvania and Warren County, N.J., came together to highlight “the power of collaboration and shared commitment to regional success.”
“I’ve never been more honored to work for and with someone,” Catasauqua Treasurer Deanna Decker said. “Glenn is the most amazing boss and person ever.”
Other awards included Most Entertaining Mayor Award to Anthony Pristash of Northampton, presented by Vice Chair of the Chamber Board of Governors Bret Ludlow; Township Manager of the Year Award to Upper Macungie Township Manager Robert Ibach, presented by state Rep. Gary Day, R-187th; a second Borough Manager of the Year Award to Lehighton Borough Manager Dane Dewire, presented by state Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-122nd; and Mayor of the Year Award to Ilene Tillman of Roseto, presented by Chair of the Chamber Board of Governors Laurie Hackett.
Eckhart’s award was presented by state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-132nd.
“This event is a powerful reminder of what happens when communities come together with a shared purpose. Through collaboration, we are able to create real community impact and uplift the regions we serve across our five counties,” said Jessica O’Donnell-Gower, executive vice president of chambers of commerce for GLVCC. “Our municipal leaders do this work out of a deep love for their communities, and we are proud to stand alongside them, driven by that same passion for our mission.
“Congratulations to all of our 2026 award recipients. Your leadership and dedication truly make a difference, and we are honored to celebrate you,” O’Donnell-Gower said.
The event also featured a live “Business Matters” conversation led by Chamber President CEO Tony Iannelli, with Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel and Northampton County Executive Tara Zrinski. In addition, the mayors of Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton attended and traveled through the room, interviewing other mayors in attendance, according to the release.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOAward winners gather for a photo during a Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce event March 26. The award recipients include Upper Macungie Township Manager Robert Ibach, Catasauqua Borough Manager Glenn Eckhart, Roseto Mayor Ilene Tillman, Lehighton Borough Manager Dane Dewire and Northampton Mayor Anthony Pristash.
Catasauqua Borough Manager Glenn Eckhart celebrates with public works Director Brian White and borough Treasurer Deanna Decker during a Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce awards ceremony March 26.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOSEckhart receives a Borough Manager of the Year Award.