Gino Rizza took a less-conventional path to becoming a municipal manager, and officials in Dormont are hopeful it may lead to a more stable future for the position in the borough.

Mr. Rizza, 45, was hired in early May as Dormont's ninth manager in the past eight years.

A 1982 graduate of Keystone Oaks High School, Mr. Rizza operated his own construction company from 1998 until being hired by the borough. He grew up in Dormont and still lives there.

Police Chief Phil Ross said he believes Mr. Rizza's less-traditional experience has led to a refreshing, opened-minded approach to the job.

"He doesn't bring that familiar bureaucratic mindset to the table," he said. "He also brings a willingness to learn the inner working of our profession as well as allowing us to get to know him."

Mr. Rizza has a bachelor's degree in finance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree in management from Robert Morris University.

He said the years of running his company gave him substantial accounting and management experience.

He also previously worked as an accountant and auditor for Mellon Bank, and as an accountant for PNC Mortgage Corp.

His goals for the borough include filling empty storefronts along Potomac and West Liberty avenues, and retaining the businesses that are already there.

He also wants to improve Dormont's image and visibility throughout the region and find ways to promote Dormont's assets, including housing, amenities and location.

"One of Dormont's greatest strengths is its residents, who represent a diverse range of professions and ages," he said. "Dormont's residents are extremely dedicated to their community and very active as volunteers. We have a great mix of young professionals and first-time home buyers, along with longtime residents."

Mr. Rizza also lists the borough's housing stock, location, proximity to Downtown and access to public transportation as its top selling points.

With two light rail stations, Dormont is well positioned for future sustainable development and investment through the South Hills' Transit Revitalization Investment District project, Mr. Rizza said.

The borough has also been invited to apply for a grant through the county's highly competitive Allegheny Together main street program, which is an initiative he considers a top priority.

"This innovative new program is designed to provide select downtown-based communities with a three-year infusion of dynamic services that support the sustainable revitalization of business districts," he said.

In his spare time, Mr. Rizza likes to renovate old houses to restore their original character.

His personal business, Rizza Contracting, concentrated on residential remodeling with clients primarily located in the South Hills.

Mr. Rizza, who will be paid $56,500, replaced Warren Cecconi, who left Dormont to be the manager in Edgewood.

Council originally hired Mr. Rizza as assistant manager in April but then promoted him a month later when Mr. Cecconi left.

Mr. Rizza said Dormont is a safe community in a good school district and has one of the largest swimming pools around.

"It's a wonderful place to raise a family," he said.