Paradise Has New Township Manager

David Thompson, who became manager of Paradise Township in January, is quick to express gratitude to his predecessor Dennis Groff. "A big thank you from Paradise Township to Dennis Groff," said Thompson, who noted that he inherited a township in good condition.

Thompson, who originally hails from Downingtown, came to public service by a circuitous route, but he said that his parents planted the seed of hometown values from an early age. "People become township managers for a lot of reasons," he said. "Mine is my love for service. My parents raised me with the values of being a good neighbor, and investing in the community was really important."

Thompson joined the Army after graduating high school, where his work as a journalist gave him a global perspective on government. After serving for six years, Thompson left the Army with a degree in English education, going on to teach first on a Navajo reservation in New Mexico, followed by a stint in a private school. Disillusioned by the amount of testing, Thompson decided teaching was not the best fit for him, although he had gained valuable lessons from the experience. "I took away the importance of assessment and having a plan for lessons and operations," he said. He noted that teaching also cemented his values for investing in people. "You don't quit on people," he said, pointing to the importance of believing in one's students.

Reconsidering his love of writing and public affairs, Thompson decided to return to school. He studied at Villanova University to earn a master's degree in public administration.

In 2017, Thompson purchased a house in Phoenixville and was appointed to the Phoenixville Planning Commission. "That was my first real introduction to (township government)," recalled Thompson, who was involved in approving about 3,000 housing units in the time he served.

Thompson got to know the planning consultant for Phoenixville, who was also contracted to East Vincent Township. Through that association, he applied for and was awarded the job of assistant township manager in East Vincent in 2018.

Now, Thompson is looking forward to fulfilling his duties as manager of Paradise Township. "I am excited to be here," said Thompson. "As a professional in this role, I pride myself on being a visionary, planning, and looking ahead," he said, adding that he would like to see the area go forward with the type of development that upholds the character of Paradise.

Thompson reported that he quickly became aware of the values of the people of Paradise Township. "They have a lot of people who care in this community," he said. "There's a lot of thoughtfulness and generosity." Thompson added that he and Groff discussed how private business owners had donated to park projects, and he is impressed.

"I was waiting to get a management position where it was the right fit - a place where the values are strong," Thompson said. "I have found them here, and I am really excited to be part of a values-driven community."