BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Centre County Commissioners Mark Higgins, left, and Steve Dershem, right, pose for a group photo with resigning Commissioner Michael Pipe.

BELLEFONTE — Times are changing in Centre County.

After 4,031 days of service — 11 years of hard work — Centre County is saying goodbye to Commissioner Michael Pipe.

Earlier this month, Pipe stepped down from his position as board chairman and announced his new position within Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration. His resignation goes into effect Saturday, Jan. 14.

Pipe took some time at the end of the board’s weekly meeting to speak to the public and his fellow commissioners, offering the following heartfelt goodbye to everyone he’s been involved with during his time at the county:

“Today is my last Tuesday business meeting with the county,” Pipe began, “It’s fantastically bittersweet. I wanted to offer some thank yous. I took office Jan. 2, 2012. I was sworn in alongside commissioner Dershem. My last day will be Saturday — that’s 4,031 days. Time flies when you’re having fun.”

Pipe thanked his family, wife Ashley and daughter Brenna, for their support during his time in office.

“I spent more time some days with people in this room than them and I really thank them for that,” he said.

Pipe expressed the joy he felt from his role, and the interactions he’s had with voters in Centre County.

“I’ve really loved the conversations we’ve had over the last 4,000 days. We’ve had a conversation about county government and all the services that are provided,” he said. “The important work that’s done. I’ve really enjoyed that conversation.”

Pipe spoke highly of the team he and other board members created over the years.

“There’s been an assemblage of really fantastic people that work day in and day out for the county,” he said. “But really the vast majority of the work that happens at the county happens outside of these four walls, it happens because of the tremendous amount of people who do the work.”

He noted the work he was able to do with employees at the Centre County Correctional Facility, transportation department, Children and Youth Services and probation departments.

“It really gave me a new appreciation for the work they do,” he said. “It’s hard work — many of them are dedicated and have worked here for decades.”

Pipe thanked the heads of each department for their energy and willingness to work with the board over the years. He also thanked the ABC volunteers and the wide range of boards and authorities members he’s worked with throughout his career.

In closing, Pipe thanked his fellow commissioners, including Dershem, Mark Higgins and past board member Chris Exarchos.

“I’ve served with three great people,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot from each of you.”

Higgins was quick to cut in, “And we’ve learned from you, too.”

Pipe joked that he’d made it 50 percent of the way through his speech before he needed to take a moment to collect himself and his emotions. He had everyone scrambling for tissues — for both him and themselves — as he continued with the rest of his speech.

“Dialogue is so important nowadays, and we had that today. The ability to have a conversation with people that are just completely different — have different perspectives as you — and not to turn to violence. It’s so important. That’s what our country is about. We really try to see eye to eye on things we disagree on,” he said. “I appreciate all the times we’ve disagreed. Having been able to see eye to eye, guys, I appreciate it. It really is important to be able to do the work we do and disagree amicably. It’s been tough — especially during COVID and the elections — but there’s been a great amount of collaboration.”

It was difficult for Pipe to wrap up 11 years of service in one goodbye, but his words were met with kind responses from Higgins and Dershem.

“I see why you saved this for last,” Higgins joked tearfully. “Eleven years of hard work, of being on a very good team and helping to work super hard to make it great. 60 hours a week was kind of the minimum amount of time you tended to put in. I know for myself, it’s been so wonderful working with you.”

Dershem offered his own sentiments.

“You started as Centre County’s youngest commissioner. I will say that you certainly have grown through that process over the last 11 years. You’ve been very fair. We’ve not always agreed or seen eye to eye, but we’ve always kept it agreeable. There’s a lot to be said about being able to work through differences of opinion and philosophy to make sure — what I would consider the importance of government — to really move forward in some of the toughest environments that you can encounter,” said Dershem.

“I will leave it at this,” Dershem joked. “When you see a recognizable phone number come across your screen, we probably need you for something and we would appreciate you picking up.”

Pipe’s final adjournment was met with a standing ovation for all he has done for the county and its citizens.