Local businessman Thomas P. Farrell was appointed Tuesday to the township’s open trustee position.

The position became vacant when former Trustee Patrick Hiltman resigned Feb. 19 resignation.

Farrell has lived in Liberty Twp. for 14 years, and has served in a volunteer capacity on the Liberty Township Zoning Commission for nearly 10 years and most recently as a member of the Vision Plan Committee.

Farrell is a small business owner, serving as president of Alternative Computer Technology in West Chester Twp. He also serves as president of the Four Bridges HOA and currently serves on the Boards of Bishop Fenwick High School and the Atrium Medical Center Foundation.

“I’m humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve the residents and businesses of Liberty Twp. and to work alongside Christine and Dave,” Farrell said. “I’m ready to take my involvement in Liberty Twp. to the next level and to help perpetuate responsible growth and family values, while representing the best long-term interest of the residents. It’s an exciting time to be living and working in Liberty Twp.”

Trustees Christine Matacic and David Kern had 30 days following Hiltman’s resignation to appoint a new trustee to complete the vacated term. Farrell will serve through December 2013. He can choose to continue service by filing with the Butler County Board of Elections to be placed on the ballot in November 2013 for a four-year term beginning January 2014.

“We are excited about this announcement and look forward to the business perspective Tom will bring to the Board,” Matacic said. “His dedication to the community and his extensive background and network will serve the residents and businesses of Liberty Twp. well. He’s enthusiastic about the vision and direction of Liberty Township and will be a tremendous asset to our Board.”

“Tom’s business background and commitment to the Liberty Twp. community is impressive. I’m confident we have selected someone who will leave a positive impact on this community,” Kern said.

Farrell holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton and graduate degree from Harris University of Florida. He lives in Four Bridges with his wife, Kim, and three children — Chelsea, a sophomore at Hillsdale College; Brady, a senior at Bishop Fenwick; and Kyle, a sophomore at Bishop Fenwick.

Matacic and Kern received 13 letters of interest and resumes for the trustee seat. The other 12 Liberty Twp. residents who expressed interest in the position were: Freed Buckley; Barry Thiel; Jim Hartman; Shirley Sampson; Patrick Merten; Randy Terry; Jeff Newman; Stephe Bacon; Jason Reeves; Rhonda Freeze; Ronald Aylward; and Robert Coogan.