CHAMBERSBURG, PA, August 07, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Sharon A. Purnell has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Purnell has dedicated over four decades to her profession, with the last 14 years spent as manager of the Hamilton Township Municipal Authority. In this role, she provides strategic oversight and leadership in both administrative and field operations, encompassing fiscal management, budgeting, and regulatory compliance such as Chapter 94 reporting, and plays a key role in plan submission review and approvals. She leads a robust inflow and infiltration program aimed at identifying, mitigating, and preventing unwanted stormwater and groundwater intrusion into the sanitary sewer system, and is instrumental in developing infrastructure improvement and replacement projects. Her responsibilities span the advancement of technological solutions such as GIS mapping, integrated Microsoft 365 applications, field equipment procurement, as well as developing and implementing organizational policies and regulations, ensuring workplace safety compliance, and human resource functions. Her expertise in utility management, office administration, and bookkeeping has been instrumental in her success, allowing her to manage complex financial operations with precision.

Dedicated to her community, Ms. Purnell considers serving the township as both an honor and a privilege. She is committed to doing her best, despite the often-overlooked complexities of public sewer service and future planning. While she recognizes the ongoing challenges presented by changing regulations and legislation, she remains dedicated to her responsibilities and to supporting the community with integrity and care.

Ms. Purnell's career is marked by several significant achievements and accolades. A few notable achievements include spearheading the implementation of the Authority's GIS mapping to enhance infrastructure planning and data management; expediting the development of a hydraulic model of the sewer system, yielding critical insights for evaluation, analysis, and long-term planning; and designing and launching the Authority's digital presence with an interactive website, to elevate transparency and foster meaningful community engagement. She was the recipient of the 2019 Utility Leadership Excellence Award from Pennsylvania Water Environment Association (PWEA) for significant leadership in the operation of a utility. She has also been recognized with the God and Service Award from the Keystone Area, now known as the New Birth of Freedom Council, Scouting America, in 2006. Additionally, she received the Arrowhead Honor and the District Award of Merit from the same organization in 2005.

Educationally, Ms. Purnell's background includes coursework in a business secretarial curriculum and a diploma from Chambersburg Area Senior High School in 1984. She has also pursued certifications that enhance her capabilities, such as those from the Emergency Management Institute of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in 2010 and a wastewater operator certification from the Department of Environmental Protection in Pennsylvania from 2011 to 2017.

Ms. Purnell attributes her success to hard work, dedication and strong professional relationships. She values networking through organizations like the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association, where she has served as director for Region Four (serving Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties) since 2023. Her further involvement with trusted professionals like engineers, solicitors, bond counsel, and auditors underscores her belief in collaborative success.

Beyond her professional commitments, Ms. Purnell has contributed to civic organizations as a Cubmaster and scout troop committee chair for Scouting America from 1993 to 2008. Her passion for community service is further demonstrated through her co-authorship of publications addressing infiltration issues in township authorities for NASTT and MASTT-Mid Atlantic Chapter in 2015, including "Small Agency, Big Ambition-How a Pennsylvania Township Authority Chose New Technology to Begin Addressing Their Infiltration Issues."

In her personal life, Ms. Purnell enjoys playing the piano, hunting, cooking and spending time with her family. Looking toward her professional work, she is committed to positioning the authority for long-term success through strategic initiatives and forward-thinking planning aligned with industry best practices. This includes a concentrated focus on succession planning and mentoring her team. Her goal is to ensure a smooth transition when she eventually retires, leaving behind an organization that is well-prepared and resilient with strong leadership, operational continuity, and organizational resilience.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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