Westmoreland commissioner elevates chief of staff to full-time position

Westmoreland County Commissioner Ted Kopas conceded Thursday that he needs help.

Kopas, a Democrat, said he will promote his chief of staff, Dante DeCario, to a full-time position nearly two years after he said he didn't need an aide, then a few months later relented and hired a part-timer to do the job.

“It doesn't seem there is any great interest to do it the way I was originally planning,” Kopas said.

The chiefs of staff help to oversee county departments and work as a liaison for the commissioners.

Kopas, who for eight years served as chief of staff to former Commissioner Tom Balya, proposed in 2014 that all commissioners eliminate that job after his aide retired earlier that year. Seven months later, Kopas hired DeCario for $30,000 a year to work three days a week as his chief of staff.

At that time, Kopas said he wanted to cut the commissioners' staff to help reduce county expenses.

DeCario will be elevated next year to full time and earn an annual salary of $51,397.

Among other changes ahead in the commissioners' office, Chairman Charles Anderson hired Deputy Treasurer Sean Kertes as his chief of staff. Kertes will replace Matthew Junker, who is leaving at year's end to take a job with the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County.

Incoming Commissioner Gina Cerilli appointed Don O'Brien as her chief of staff. O'Brien, the husband of Prothonotary Christina O'Brien and the son of former long-time Treasurer Kathalyn O'Brien, previously worked as a lieutenant at Westmoreland County Prison.

O'Brien will earn $59,846 a year, and Kertes will be paid an annual salary of $51,397.

Rich Cholodofsky is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-830-6293 or rcholodofsky@tribweb.com.