As a champion of Crawford County, Christopher R. Seeley ’10 applies his unusual combination of political science and music as one of the county’s commissioners.
Seeley is no stranger to public service. While attending Allegheny College, he served as the mayor of his hometown of Linesville, Pennsylvania. After graduating, Seeley joined an intellectual property security agency and was later appointed as a Crawford County Auditor, where he spent a decade in the elected position.
Today, he is a commissioner of Crawford County, overseeing the territory’s administrative and financial operations with two other commissioners. Some of his projects for the county have included the expansion of broadband and maintaining first responder services. Seeley credits his political science studies for laying the foundation for his success.
“Being able to read and understand legislation and contracts, having an awareness of the web of state and federal agencies I work with, and the election craft that governs my campaigns have all proven invaluable skills,” remarks Seeley.
His experience in music has also remained instrumental in his understanding of operations and human capital.
“Aside from literal music-making as a means of relaxation and recreation, understanding music is understanding systems,” says Seeley. “Performing with large ensembles wires an individual to be more sensitive to teamwork and cooperative efforts. It primes a person to be a more active listener, and to be patient when working with varying personalities.
He notes that the most rewarding part of his role is helping residents with questions or county employees deepen their understanding of the region.
When managing a wide, diverse organization that performs hundreds of individual functions, it is critical that a commissioner is intellectually curious and capable of absorbing a vast amount of information,” says Seeley. “Allegheny built within me a sense of empathy and understanding that allows me to better listen and understand not only colleagues and residents, but the many employees and staff I encounter throughout my career.
Outside of this elected office, Seeley engages in the community’s:
- Academy Theatre
- Crawford County Democratic Committee
- Greendale Cemetery Association
- Meadville Area Middle School Martin Luther King Jr. Mentoring Program
- Meadville Community Theatre
- Pine Masonic Lodge
- Rotary Club of Meadville
In 2024, Seeley received the Young Alumni Citation from Allegheny College for this commitment to serving his community.
