Chris Frye Takes Over Today as Middlesex Township Manager

MIDDLESEX TWP. — Chris Frye begins work today, Sept. 1, as Middlesex Township Manager, bringing experience leading a financially distressed city through governmental change and economic recovery.

Frye, who became New Castle’s first Black and youngest mayor when he took office Jan. 1, 2020, succeeds Jeffrey Winkle, who retired after serving four years as township manager. The Middlesex Township Board of Supervisors approved Frye’s hiring Aug. 5.

During his three years as mayor, Frye helped guide the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, supported its transition to a home-rule charter and worked toward ending its long-standing designation as a financially distressed municipality under Pennsylvania’s Act 47 program.

As New Castle changed its form of government, City Council appointed Frye in late 2022 as the city’s first administrator and community development director. New Castle was released from Act 47 oversight in December 2023 after 16 years in the program.

The 228 Times spoke with Frye after a recent Middlesex Township Board of Supervisors work session about his new role and how his experience in New Castle could translate to township government.

“I think there are a lot of similarities,” Frye said. “Obviously, it’s the same role as city administrator and township manager. However, there are statutory changes. We’re a home-rule charter community in New Castle, and this is a second-class township, so there will be some differences in the statutes and understanding of the laws.”

Frye said land development, municipal projects and questions from residents are common to both communities.

“I think that’s a strong suit for me, just having that bandwidth to understand the statutory side and policy,” he said.

Frye said he plans to enter the job with an open mind and learn from township residents, staff and supervisors.

“I really hope to learn a lot from our community,” he said. “I’ve heard from the board. I’ve heard from some of the constituents and taxpayers here. I know there’s a lot of opportunity all throughout Butler County, so I’m working on meeting with the chamber already, and I haven’t even started.”

He said he wants to understand Middlesex Township’s place in Butler County’s broader growth while identifying what makes the community distinct.

“We’re able to obtain that information primarily from the residents,” Frye said.

Before beginning work Sept. 1, Frye attended township meetings and spoke regularly with staff to prepare for the position.

“I’m digging into second-class township law, reaching out and talking with the staff here on a regular basis and coming in and attending meetings,” he said. “I want to show that my commitment is here, no matter what, even if it’s a month until I start. I want the community to know that I’m committed to being here, and I’m excited to be in Middlesex.”

Frye said his initial appointment will run through the remainder of the township’s existing manager contract. Manager agreements are generally renewed in two-year increments, he explained.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day, and sometimes change is hard,” Frye said. “I’m going to proceed with an open mind and see where it goes. I just hope that whatever impact I have is for the betterment of Middlesex.”