Andrew S. Haines

Andrew Haines

Degree: 2003, MPA

Job Title: Executive Director, National PELRA

Andrew S. Haines (MPA '03) is the executive director of the National PELRA, the Public Employer Labor Relations Association, which is the sole professional association in the country focused on public employment and its unique and challenging federal and state labor relations statutes. The association’s mission to deliver highly valued education, training, and professional advocacy for public employment agencies around the nation, and with over 2,000 members, 22-affiliated state chapters that manage nearly 5 million represented employees, Haines is in the center of conversations with jurisdictions on how to efficiently and effectively maintain community services. 

Prior to this role, Haines spent nearly 20 years predominantly in local government, most recently serving as the Town Manager for the Town of Smyrna, Delaware. He obtained the Credential Manager designation through the International City/County Management Association, and was named to Delaware Business Times 40 under 40 in 2016. Also, prior to leaving Smyrna, the Delaware League of Local Governments named him the 2021 Delaware Town Manager of the Year.

Before serving in Smyrna, Haines worked as the manager of Middletown Township in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Haines was involved with redeveloping the former Franklin Mint site into a new Wawa SEPTA station and modernizing the former Granite Run Mall into a mix-used destination—both projects creating opportunities to revitalize land use and focus on smart growth principles.

Prior to serving as the chief administrative officer for Middletown Township, Haines was the Deputy City Manager for the City of Newark, Delaware. He later rejoined the City of Newark in January 2013 after spending five years as the Township Manager for Hatfield Township in Pennsylvania. As the appointed township manager, he held the chief administrative officer role for the organization, overseeing finances, planning, land development, public safety, public works, and other essential community services. Haines has committed the early portion of his professional career to local government, both in Pennsylvania and Delaware, focused on operational efficiencies, employment labor relations, and technology strategic planning. These opportunities have afforded him the chance to achieve numerous union negotiations, personnel succession planning, and sustain public services during difficult economic challenges. 

Haines also worked as a staff member to the Delaware Economic Development Office during Governor Ruth Ann Minner's administration. His commitment to public and constituent services was further enhanced during this time spent in Dover, providing broader experience in governmental operations.

Haines was a participant in the 20th Anniversary Class of the Institute for Public Administration's Legislative Fellow Program during his graduate career, and today holds in high regard the Legislative Fellows Program and the opportunity it affords students at the University of Delaware. 

Haines resides in Delaware with his wife, Stefanie, and their two children.​