Central Penn College Alumni Chad Rooney is Managing Everything

Chad Rooney, President of Central Penn College’s Alumni Association and a 2003 Criminal Justice graduate, knows how to handle many responsibilities at once. He recently started a new role as Town Manager of Chestertown, Maryland, and celebrated his one-month anniversary just a few weeks later. Even with these milestones, Rooney’s drive to succeed remains strong.

Leading Chestertown

As Town Manager, Rooney manages the town’s administrative functions, water and sewer operations, streets, parks and recreation, and special projects. The job requires focus and versatility, and Rooney is ready for the challenge.

Before joining Chestertown, Rooney was the Manager of Williamsport in western Maryland. Chestertown is an historic port town on the Chester River. It is about an hour and a half from Baltimore and 30 minutes from the Bay Bridge. The town is known for its colonial architecture, arts scene, brick sidewalks, and walkable historic district with shops and restaurants. It was once Maryland’s second largest port and now has a population of about 5,800. Many residents are students at historic Washington College.

“The whole town has a bay feel,” Rooney says. Local industries like crabbing, manufacturing, and small businesses provide both opportunities and challenges for the town’s management.

The Central Penn College Advantage

Rooney’s education helped prepare him for this role. He earned an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Central Penn College, followed by a bachelor’s in Administration of Justice. He later earned a master’s from the University of Arizona and a PhD from Liberty University.

“I never thought I would have this long series of degrees after my name,” Rooney says. In high school, he had no plans to go to college. A visit from a Central Penn College admissions representative changed his path. That visit led him to a rewarding career in public service.

Rooney remembers the hands-on learning at Central Penn College. “It was not just sitting in a classroom. We learned real-life skills like handcuffing and fingerprinting,” he says. Many friendships from college remain today, including with his roommate Ken Tallman, who is now the Vice President of the Alumni Association.

Goals for the Town

Rooney’s goals as Town Manager are simple and clear:

Be transparent, approachable, and nonpartisan

Restore trust in local government

Educate residents about town processes

Improve the budget process and overall quality of life

Previously, Rooney served as an elected councilman in Waynesboro from 2016 to 2018. This experience taught him the importance of connecting with people. Rooney is also an active member of the International City Managers Association and serves as treasurer for the Maryland City and Counties Managers Association.

Advice for Students and Alumni

Rooney encourages current Central Penn College students to make the most of their time on campus. “Networking begins there,” he says. He advises students to get involved in civic groups, advance themselves through education or professional experience, and stay open-minded.

He also shares a fun message about staying connected to the Alumni Association. “Central Penn made me step up my game,” he says. Today, as he leads Chestertown, Rooney continues to set the bar higher for himself and the community he serves.