Doylestown Borough Staff

John H. Davis, Borough Manager

John Davis has been Borough Manager since May 1994. Prior to that, he served first as Assistant Borough Manager and then as Public Works Director from 1989-1994. He also served as the Code Enforcement Officer of Lower Makefield Township. He is a 1987 graduate of St Joseph's University, Philadelphia, Pa. with a B.A. in History and a 1988 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa. with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

John is currently a member of the Bucks County Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board, the Executive Committee of the Delaware Valley Municipal Management Association and is Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Delaware Valley Insurance Trust. He is the historian of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 3, Bucks County. He served as Vice President at Large of the Association of Pennsylvania Municipal Managers (A.P.M.M.) from 2003-2005, was a member of the Board of Directors and Vice President of Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County, from 1998-2004, President of the Kiwanis Club of Doylestown from 1998-1999, and President of the Bucks County Consortium of Municipalities from 1997-1998.

Originally from Morrisville, PA, John resides in Doylestown Borough with his wife, Julie, and daughters, Catie and Grace.

Phil Ehlinger, AICP,  Deputy Borough Manager, Director of Public Works & Planning

Philip C. Ehlinger, Jr., AICP CZO, has served Doylestown Borough since 1991 and provides general management of Borough departments and direct management of the Public Works and Planning Departments. As Doylestown's town planner, and in his preceding role as zoning officer and building code official, he authored numerous codes and ordinances and has implemented many smart growth strategies to help Doylestown become an economically vibrant and walkable community. These innovations include planning and building the first two "TNDs" in Bucks County which were also brownfield sites; the "Green Points" sustainable building incentive programs to promote energy efficient buildings; and a fast-track approval processes for worthy projects to reduce regulatory burdens to foster investment and quality economic development.  Phil is a frequent public speaker on zoning, environmental, and sustainability issues and is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Zoning Officials (PAAZO). He is the editor of the town's newsletter and administers the Borough website and computer networks including GIS and AUTOCAD.  Phil is an avid racer of mountain bikes, off-road motorcycles, and high performance sailboats, and is married with three sons. He has lived in the Doylestown community for more than 21 years.

Caroline Brinker has been employed the Borough of Doylestown since 1986, starting as the utility billing clerk. In 1989, Caroline became the bookkeeper and has been serving as Director of Finance since 1991. She graduated from Delaware Valley College magna cum laude with a B.S. in Accounting/Finance.

A member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard from 1984 to 1994, Caroline was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant/E6. Her military duties included water supply specialist; fuel supply sergeant; alcohol and drug testing administrator; and an instructor for the Pennsylvania National Guard Military Academy.

Professional affiliations include the southeastern Pennsylvania chapters of the Government Finance Officers Association and the American Payroll Association.

Caroline has been a life-long resident of Central Bucks County. Originally from Doylestown Township, she now resides in Doylestown Borough.

Kelli J. Scarlett, Director of Building and Zoning /Fire Marshal/Human Relations Officer

Kelli J. Scarlett, J.D.,  attended high school at Central Bucks West  and is pleased to have  returned in 2002 to the Borough to serve the community. Kelli oversees the Building and Zoning Department services and staff as well as serving as Fire Marshal and Human Relations Officer.  A Certified Zoning Officer and Building Code Official, Ms. Scarlett also holds numerous International Code Council professional certifications, licenses and degrees.

Kelli’s  background  and experience are unique and serve her well in addressing the daily diversity of  building and zoning  issues. A champion of the cause of accessible government services, Kelli has lead multiple projects to make Borough government services increasingly efficient and user friendly and continues that effort daily.

Ms. Scarlett serves as adjunct faculty at two colleges and is active in many community service organizations, including being a volunteer firefighter for over 25 years.  Kelli has two children who are also very active in the community and love to help out in between their numerous activities. 

Chris Norris, Director of Water Operations

Christopher J. (Chris) Norris, Director of Water Operations. Chris oversees the water system and water department employees in the Borough.  He is responsible for operation and maintenance of the wells, water mains and other infrastructure.  

Chris began his career in the water field at the New Oxford Municipal Authority near Gettysburg, PA.  He worked his way to a position overseeing the daily operations of a 1.2 million gallon per day water filtration plant and distribution system.  Chris joined the Borough staff in 2011 and is happy call the area home with his wife and son.

Jim Donelly, Police Chief

James C. (Jim) Donnelly was sworn in as the Chief of Police of the Borough of Doylestown in February 1995 after a long and distinguished career with the Philadelphia Police Department.

In his over 25 years in Philadelphia, Chief Donnelly rose through the ranks to the position of I nspector/Commanding Officer of the East Police Division. He also served as Commanding Officer of the Stakeout Unit, the Research and Strategic Planning Division, and the Tactical Division. He was the recipient of numerous City, State and Department Commendations.

In his tenure as Chief, he has created the Borough's first Traffic Safety Unit, initiated the Borough's first Foot and Bicycle Patrols, and has been a driving force in the creation of Central Bucks County's first S.W.A.T. Team.

Chief Donnelly resides in Warrington with his wife Kathy. They have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.

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