MPA Alum Selected as Acting Borough Administrator  

2008 MPA Graduate Frank Pannucci Jr., was recently appointed as the Acting Borough Administrator of Point Pleasant. In addition to his M.P.A., Frank was an undergrad at Seton Hall graduating in 2003 with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science.

Pannucci previously worked in Brick Township, working his way up from a clerk in the Tax Assessor’s Office to a department head at the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority before coming to Point Pleasant as the Acting Administrator. Frank decided to pursue his MPA degree at Seton Hall in hopes of obtaining greater management positions.

“A lot of people that are administrators have been in those positions for quite a while” Frank stated then added “With an MPA at a young age … you’re able to bring a different and fresh perspective to issues.”

With his recent promotion, Frank sees his MPA as a source of pride as well as knowledge.  “I wouldn’t be here without my MPA. Available government managerial jobs in NJ are far and few in between.” Frank explained “The MPA helped me breakthrough in a very competitive field. A lot of employers take the MPA into heavy consideration.”

Frank directly attributed his MPA as a source of practical skills.

“The MPA is a like an MBA for government. It taught me how to delegate, not just do things on my own and become overwhelmed” Frank stated when applying the leaderships skills gained at Seton Hall.

The leadership skills gained also focused on the area of human resources; an underrated skill that people usually have to learn on their own.

They taught me how to build a team” Pannucci said.

Pannucci also emphasized the impact the electives had on his breadth of knowledge in being a government official. Courses from the MHA program in healthcare administration in particular taught Frank the basics about how healthcare administrators work and allowed him to gain a greater knowledge of different management styles, especially within hospitals.

“Courses from the MHA program were beneficial as electives as well.” Frank elaborated “Healthcare Management classes gave me a wider breadth of management perspectives learning how other agencies like hospitals operate and how they affect your community.”

The professors however, with their practical knowledge were the bedrock of Frank’s educational experience.

“Dr. Hale gave an extra effort to his courses because of his background.” Frank reflected. “The program was realistic and gave you knowledge that you really could use”.

Now with that knowledge, Frank Pannucci hopes to better help lead the people of the Borough of Point Pleasant. He will continue to gain knowledge not only by reflecting on the education he gained at Seton Hall but also talking to peers who have a wealth of knowledge on situations he may face.

“I reach out to as many people as I can, especially other administrators.” Frank concluded.