Salisbury Township Commissioner Alok Patnaik was elected President of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners (PSATC) during the association's Annual Business Meeting held in conjunction with the 2026 Municipal Leadership Summit at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.

Patnaik, who has served as a Salisbury Township Commissioner in Lehigh County since 2020, previously served as First Vice President of PSATC. He has been actively engaged with municipal officials representing Pennsylvania's 93 First Class Townships, helping advance municipal leadership, legislative advocacy, and collaboration among local governments.

“It is a tremendous honor to serve as President of PSATC and to represent the commissioners and municipal leaders of Pennsylvania's First Class Townships,” Patnaik said. “I accept this responsibility with gratitude, humility, and deep respect for those who give their time, experience, and energy in service to their communities.”

Patnaik said his presidency will focus on strengthening the identity and influence of First Class Townships, increasing engagement among member communities, developing the next generation of municipal leaders, sharing successful practices, and ensuring that First Class Township priorities are represented by a strong collective voice in Harrisburg.

Beyond elected office, Patnaik has served his community as a volunteer firefighter with the Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Company since 2014. His experience as both a municipal official and first responder gives him a unique perspective on the challenges facing Pennsylvania municipalities, particularly in public safety, infrastructure, emergency services, municipal finance, and long-term community planning.

Professionally, Patnaik has a background in information technology, fraud prevention, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. He has a strong interest in the responsible use of technology to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency of local government. His community involvement also includes leadership in fraud prevention as well as international educational and humanitarian initiatives.

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