Bristol Council Approves Hiring Of Assistant Borough Manager

Bristol Borough is adding an assistant municipal manager as it looks to the future of the riverfront town’s government.

The hiring, which was approved by a Bristol Borough Council vote earlier this month, is effective Aug. 1.

Peter Gray has been hired and will bring extensive municipal management experience to Bristol Borough, Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe said.

Gray serves as the manager of New Hope Borough. He had led that borough government for six years.

“He’s been a manager a long time,” DiGuiseppe said. “He’s right now in New Hope. He knows what he’s doing and he brings a lot of experience to the table.”

DiGuiseppe stated that Gray has a long-standing professional relationship with current Bristol Borough Manager Jim Dillon. Their interactions date back to when they both worked in Falls Township. Dillon was manager there, and Gray later became manager in the township.

“I think him and Jim will be able to work together and move this town in the direction we want to go in,” DiGuiseppe said.

The assistant borough manager position is part of a long-term succession plan for the borough’s top administrative post, according to DiGuiseppe.

“At some point, hopefully in a few years from now, he’ll be taking over Jim’s position if that’s the case,” DiGuiseppe said.

Gray, who also took on a part-time role as manager for Langhorne Manor Borough in 2023, submitted his resignation to New Hope Borough officials last week.

Gray will officially depart his position in the Central Bucks County municipality at the end of July.

During his announcement to New Hope Borough Council, Gray thanked past and present council members, the mayor, borough staff, and consultants for their cooperation during his time working in the municipality.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time here at New Hope Borough,” Gray said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with many individuals on a variety of issues.”

New Hope Borough Councilmember Kelly Whitman thanked Gray for his service.

“Sorry to hear this, Pete, but sorry for New Hope, but best of luck to you,” she said.

New Hope Borough Council President Ken Maisel said the municipality has already started steps to appoint an interim manager and will launch a search for a permanent successor.