Michael Murphy Jr.

The Chester County Commissioners have appointed Murphy as Director of the Department of Emergency Services. Murphy was formerly Platoon Leader for the county’s 9-1-1 operations.

“The safety of Chester County residents is one of our top priorities and our Director of Emergency Services plays a pivotal role in ensuring that safety,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Michelle Kichline. “We are fortunate to have someone with Mike’s experience and professionalism take on the directorship role.”

Murphy replaces Robert Kagel, who served as director of the department for four years before his appointment as Chester County Administrator. John Haynes, Deputy Director of 9-1-1 Operations, has been serving as interim director since Kagel moved to the Commissioners’ Office.

Sartomer

Sartomer, a business unit of Arkema Inc., recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its production plant in West Chester.

The facility produces specialty chemical building blocks used by other manufacturers for advanced materials, chemical intermediates, personal care, and 3D printing applications. The production facility offers its customers access to global technology, manufacturing, and service, which leads to innovative solutions, a dependable supply, and consistently high-quality products and services.

“We look forward to building on this half-century foundation as we continue to support our customers’ evolving needs and work as a dedicated corporate neighbor in our region,” said Kenny Messer, president of Sartomer Americas.

Peter Kjellerup

The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce has selected Peter Kjellerup, co-founder of West Grove-based Dansko, as its Outstanding Citizen of the Year for his decades of service to the community.

Kjellerup co-founded Dansko in 1990 with his wife Mandy Cabot, and presided as the company’s Vice President, overseeing the design, construction, and overall property management of its award-winning campuses through his retirement at the end of 2018.

Originally an importer of Danish clogs, Dansko designs, develops, and distributes a wide range of innovative casual and career footwear, and employs 150 people in West Grove. Dansko has been recognized several times for its leadership in advancing socially and environmentally responsible business practices.

YMCA of Greater Brandywine

As the federal government shutdown continues, the seven branches of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine are extending support to those impacted.

Any federal government employee who is not being paid due to the shutdown is welcome to use the YMCA’s facilities free of charge during this time. If the individual is already a member of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, their next monthly YMCA membership fee will be waived. Those impacted simply need to visit the member services desk at their local YMCA branch with their government-issued ID to take advantage of this.

“At the YMCA, we work to strengthen the foundations of our community,” said Denise Day, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. “When we see an area in our community where help is needed, we do all we can. We hope that those impacted by the government shutdown will take advantage of the mental, physical, and emotional support we are here to give everyone in our community.”

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