Cheltenham names Jonathan Altschul township manager; Manor Center hired for transition

The Cheltenham Township Board of Commissioners voted unanimously July 15 to appoint Jonathan Altschul as township manager and board secretary, effective Sept. 8, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2028, subject to satisfactory preemployment screening under section 701 of the township’s Home Rule Charter.

President Commissioner Arman moved the appointment after describing a multi‑month search guided by residents, staff and a committee led by Nicole Beckett. Commissioner Stein, a member of the search team, thanked Beckett and the Manor Center for their work on the recruitment. No board member opposed the motion and the appointment was adopted by voice vote.

Altschul, who addressed the meeting after the vote, said he was honored and looks forward to serving the township’s roughly 38,000 residents, supporting staff and seeking consensus with the board: “I look forward to working with this very committed team of township staff…and most importantly, working with the 38,000 some odd residents of the township.”

Separately during new business the board authorized engaging the Manor Center to provide transition and consultation services related to the manager transition at $125 per hour, not to exceed $75,000, beginning July 16, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2026, unless extended. Commissioners praised Nicole Beckett and the Manor Center for organizing the search and for anticipated support during the onboarding period.

The board indicated the appointment is contingent on completion of preemployment screening reports; no further conditions were stated on the record.