SPA alumnus Charles Hessler (MPA, `09), recently named incoming village administrator for the Village of Irvington, NY, took the scenic path to a career in local government. He completed the state and local government management concentration at SPA, under the direction of Professor Jocelyn Johnston, but graduated in the wake in of the Great Recession.

“At that time, opportunities in the public sector were limited, which led me to a career in higher education,” Hessler explained.

This career led him to leadership roles at Sarah Lawrence College and at Pace University, where he served as a senior institutional reporting analyst.

“In academia, I was able to develop and refine strong analytical skills, a detail-oriented approach, and a deep understanding of compliance,” he said. “Those experiences built a solid foundation for my transition into municipal government, where I now apply those same skills to data-driven decision-making, operational efficiency, and policy implementation.”

In 2020, Hessler made the leap, accepting the position of confidential secretary to the village manager of the Village of Ardsley, NY. Three years later, he joined the Village of Scarsdale as assistant village manager.

In his new role, Hessler will be responsible for the daily operations of the village and its departments, including oversight of 65 full-time and 70 part-time employees. He looks forward to wrangling the classic challenges of municipal administration.

“Local governments face increasing public expectations, aging infrastructure, and limited resources,” he said, “making it essential to balance service quality with fiscal responsibility.” Non-discretionary expenses (e.g., healthcare, insurance, retirement, and other personnel costs) further ramp up budgetary pressure, he added.

“Plus, the complexity of regulatory compliance [and efficiency] across procurement, environmental standards, and personnel matters demands continuous vigilance and adaptability,” said Hessler. He looks to resolve these tensions by leveraging data and technology to enhance service delivery, strengthen decision-making, and increase transparency.

“By applying performance metrics and modern digital tools, we can streamline operations, allocate resources more strategically, and respond more effectively to residents’ needs,” he said. He also hopes to deepen connection and engagement between the village government and its residents, businesses, and regional partners.

Hessler advises SPA students and alumni on nontraditional paths to local government careers to be sure to understand civil service rules and procedures. “Civil service rules govern hiring, promotions, and job security in local government,” he said. “This knowledge helps you navigate the system effectively and lays the groundwork for long-term career growth.”

He also suggests adding negotiation, contract and policy analysis, project management, and municipal budgeting to your skillset, via internships, volunteer roles, or coursework.

Hessler, who also serves as president of the Westchester Municipal Administrators Association, will formally assume the role of village administrator on October 18, 2025.