County’s First Female Assessor Named “Trailblazer”

by Jonathan Weaver

At the Spring Assessors’ Association of Pennsylvania conference, a local assessor was recognized for her expertise and service.

Rebecca Broad was given the “Trailblazer Award” for 20 years as a County Assessor May 5 in Harrisburg’s Hilton Hotel.

Broad, of Cadogan, recalled how she started in the county 20 years ago.

“I actually started with a reassessment company when they were doing the reassessment in Armstrong County. I found out they were going to hire because of a retirement and I thought ‘Well, I’ll put my name in.’ There were four from the reassessment company and 12 outside (applicants).

I was the first woman hired in Armstrong County. They never had a woman in the field – that’s why I didn’t think I would have a chance.”

Broad, who is responsible for 17,000 parcels along the Allegheny River, celebrated 20 years in the county December 4.

Assessment/Tax Claim Director Jeanne Englert said there were more than 20 assessors at the conference that earned the award for 20-50 years of service.

“We have a lot of long-term people. People get into this and enjoy it,” Englert said. “There are well-over 300 assessors certified across the State.”

Broad is the first assessor to be honored in Armstrong County.

“She’s very good at what she does,” Englert said. “Very diligent.

“I honestly can’t say enough –(Broad has) taught me a lot.”

Englert added that more “trailblazers” will be named in the county soon – between herself, and assessors Vince Milie and Veronica Zeigler.

“I’ve been here for 20 years –my first focus was in tax claim - Vince, Vernie and Becky have all been here 15 years. That kind-of continuity is so important in what we do here to maintain consistency, to maintain things as uniform as possible.”
Commissioner Chair Pat Fabian, who has known Brand personally since he was in high school, was invited to the banquet as well and noted Brand’s leadership positions and enthusiasm for the job.

“I got the sense by sitting back and observing that (Brand’s) by her colleagues she’s well-respected across the state,” Fabian said. “She’s very knowledgeable about assessment. I think we’re fortunate to have someone with her experience here.”

To maintain State licenses, assessors must take continuing education classes.

Assessors will also be aided by the county’s Pictometry aerial images contract.

Part of Ford City High’s Class of 1967, Broad has also received the association’s “Garrity Award” in 2000 while she was president of the North West Chapter.

Broad is the mother of three grown children: two daughters – Dana Klingensmith and Jennifer Kinter– and son, Douglas.

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