Jim Hertzler, retired Cumberland County Commissioner, is the recipient of Safe Harbour’s 2020 Leadership Through Service Award. The award will be presented to Hertzler during Safe Harbour’s “Night Without A Tux” fundraising gala on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020.
The Leadership Through Service Award was established by Safe Harbour’s Board of Directors to recognize outstanding and dynamic leadership through service to the citizens and the communities of Cumberland County. The award is presented to individuals or organizations that exhibit excellence in leadership that, by example and effort, provides programs, funding and services to support initiatives and organizations that work to improve the lives of Cumberland County residents in need of assistance.
A veteran of local government service in Cumberland County, Jim Hertzler retired from the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners at the end of his second term in December 2019.
First elected to the Board of Commissioners in November 2011, Hertzler was re-elected to a second term in November 2015. During his tenure as County Commissioner, Hertzler served as the liaison to the Cumberland County Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board, the Cumberland County Housing & Redevelopment Authority Boards, the Cumberland County Aging Advisory Board, the Cumberland County Agriculture Land Preservation Board, the Cumberland County Conservation District Board, the Capital Area Transit Authority (CAT), the Capital Region Council of Governments; and the Harrisburg Area Transportation Study (HATS) Coordinating Committee. He is also a member of the Outreach Subcommittee of the Cumberland/York Area Local Defense Group which is formed to promote retention and enhancement of the area’s military facilities.
Hertzler’s previous elected service included 22 years as a Township Commissioner in East Pennsboro Township and, before that, six years as a member of the East Pennsboro School Board. During his tenure as a Township Commissioner, Hertzler held various positions including service as Vice President of the Board, Police and Fire Commissioner, and served as the Township’s delegate to the Capital Region Council of Governments, formerly the West Shore Council of Governments. He is a past President of the Central PA Association of Township Commissioners and a former two-term member of the Governor’s Local Government Advisory Committee.
“Jim Hertzler’s dedicated and significant representation of the citizens and communities of Cumberland County embodies the community engagement principles that Safe Harbour strives to recognize with the Leadership Through Service Award,” said Brad Gerlach, Chair of Safe Harbour’s Board of Directors. “His long and distinguished record of elected public service has improved the lives of those in need and advanced our community in many ways, making Cumberland County a better place to live and work.”
Scott K. Shewell, President and CEO of Safe Harbour said, “I have worked directly with Jim Hertzler on many occasions to address the needs and challenges facing Safe Harbour as we strive to help homeless individuals and families. He has always given selflessly of his time and expertise to help and enhance our efforts. Jim also gave the same effort to other community organizations throughout his tenure on the Board of Cumberland County Commissioners. Safe Harbour and Cumberland County are better for his committed assistance.”
Limited tickets are still available for Safe Harbour’s “Night Without A Tux” gala on Saturday, Feb. 22. The event raises funds to support Safe Harbour’s mission of providing shelter and supportive services for the homeless and nearly homeless of Cumberland County. The evening begins at 6 p.m. at the Carlisle Country Club.
Tickets for the event may be purchased by calling Safe Harbour at 717-249-2200