New Penn Hills manager expected to be named Sept. 10

The former Penn Hills manager will not return to his job as public works director and council will appoint his replacement at its next regular meeting, according to his secretary.

Mohammed Rayan resigned from his municipal manager post in May and said his last day would be July 1. He remained in the job as the municipality searched for his replacement.

The announcement comes after a Tribune-Review story uncovering details of Rayan’s contract with the municipality, which allowed him to resign without cause, return to his former position as director of public works and receive a severance amounting to over $220,000.

At a June meeting, Rayan said he would return to his former job as director of public works. He also said he stepped down because of interference from politicians in his daily duties. He did not offer specific details or name anyone involved.

Penn Hills staff and council members, both current and former, have remained silent about the manager’s severance and other details in his contract after residents expressed outrage.

Maureen Sorce, Rayan’s secretary, said the manager of 10 years announced to staff members last week that he would retire Sept. 7. He did not say why he is retiring, she said.

She also did not know who Rayan’s replacement will be or how many candidates were interviewed or when.

The appointment of a new manager is expected to happen during council’s Sept. 10 meeting, at 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Complex, 102 Duff Road.

Dillon Carr is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Dillon at 412-871-2325, dcarr@tribweb.com or via Twitter @dillonswriting.