CELG Mission
Empowering Berks Communities
To maintain and enhance the quality of life in Berks County by assisting municipal leaders in meeting the changing needs of their communities through education, cooperation, and practical support.
YEAR FOUNDED
PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
Municipalities Served
Our Vision
CELG is recognized as the premier municipal leadership development organization in Berks County. Through its unique partnership of public, private, and academic sectors, the Center inspires local officials to anticipate, plan for, and respond to community change by promoting best practices, strengthening cooperation among municipalities, and enhancing public understanding of local government.
Our History
30 Years of Local Leadership
CELG was founded in 1994 at Albright College with a simple but powerful idea: that local government works better when leaders are well-educated, well-connected, and well-supported. What began as a regional initiative has grown into one of the most respected municipal leadership organizations in Pennsylvania.
Over three decades, CELG has welcomed more than 8,000 participants to its programs and has played a meaningful role in advancing cooperation, planning, and informed decision-making across Berks County. The Center has supported municipalities through technical assistance, intergovernmental agreements, consolidation studies, management planning, and professional searches — helping communities address increasingly complex challenges with practical, community-centered solutions.
In 2013, the Berks County Water & Sewer Association (BCW&SA) was established as a core component of CELG, further strengthening the Center’s role in supporting essential public infrastructure and environmental stewardship throughout the county.
COOPERATIVE PURCHASING
BCCPC connects municipalities for better pricing and shared procurement.
Intergovernmental Agreements
Facilitating cooperation between neighboring municipalities on shared challenges.
REGIONAL FORUMS
The Berks Municipal Partnership bridges communication across five county regions.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Expert contract services at discounted rates for municipalities of all sizes.
Municipal Cooperation
Stronger Together
One of CELG’s most important roles is helping municipalities work together. The challenges facing local governments today — rising costs, aging infrastructure, evolving regulations — are rarely solved by any one community working alone.
CELG provides the leadership, forums, and frameworks that help municipalities collaborate, share resources, and find solutions that benefit the entire region. From cooperative purchasing to intergovernmental service agreements, CELG has spent 30 years building the bridges that connect communities across Berks County.
Governance & Structure
A Partnership Built on Trust
CELG is supported by Albright College, municipal partners, and private sponsors — and guided by advisory bodies that ensure our work always reflects the real-world needs of the communities we serve.
GOVERNING BODY
Community Advisory Board (CAB)
The governing board of CELG, comprising representatives from Albright College, municipal government groups, BCW&SA, and Premier Sponsors. The CAB establishes the strategic direction for all CELG activities.
ADVISORY
Local Government Advisory Council
Brings together experienced municipal officials and professionals to provide input on programming, emerging issues, and community needs — keeping CELG’s work grounded in practical reality.
ACADEMIC PARTNER
Albright College
CELG is based at Albright College’s Roessner Hall in Reading, PA. Albright’s support provides CELG with the academic infrastructure, credibility, and resources to serve as a true regional educational institution.
COUNTY PARTNERSHIP
Berks County Commissioners
The Berks County Commissioners match every dollar contributed by CELG member municipalities — a powerful demonstration of the county’s commitment to local government excellence.
Our Network
A Network of Community Resources
CELG is home to a family of affiliated organizations that serve the diverse needs of Berks County’s municipalities, professionals, and public servants.
- Berks County Secretaries Association
- Berks County Managers Association
Our Staff
Experienced Leadership. Committed Support.
The CELG team brings decades of experience in local government leadership, administration, and community partnership. Together, they provide dedicated support to municipalities and public servants across Berks County, continuing a strong tradition of service and excellence.
Andrea Weist
CELG Administrative Coordinator
- [email protected]
- 610-929-6503
Andrea Weist has been the Center’s Administrative Assistant since December 2009. She is responsible for program promotion and registrations, communication with the Berks County Cooperative Purchasing Council, the Berks Municipal Partnership, and the Local Government Advisory Council, as well as many other administrative matters. Andrea is married, has three daughters, and resides in Muhlenberg Township.
Paul Janssen †
FORMER CELG DIRECTOR
Paul Janssen served as Director of the Center for Excellence in Local Government from August 2012 until his retirement, bringing decades of leadership and dedication to the organization and the communities it serves. He held a bachelor’s degree in political science from Bloomsburg University and a master’s degree in public administration from American University. Prior to joining the Center, Paul served more than 25 years as a township or city manager in four Pennsylvania municipalities. He also worked as a consultant to local governments and non-profits for six years, including a 30-month commitment as an interim borough manager, and served as coordinator for the consortium of communities for Montgomery and Chester Counties. Shortly after his retirement, Paul passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy of public service, mentorship, and commitment to strengthening local government and community leadership.
