A calling in Gettysburg

Newly elected Mayor Alison Lintal ’07 reflects on leadership, service, and the unexpected path that led her to public office.

In March 2026, Alison Lintal’s career took an unexpected turn. An adjunct professor in Gettysburg College’s public policy department, a parttime hearing officer for Cumberland County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, and owner of an Iyengar yoga studio, Lintal ’07 was elected mayor of Gettysburg, Pa. Now, she’s at the heart of the 250th anniversary of the United States, as the borough celebrates its profound place in American history with a yearlong schedule of community events and projects.

To settle into her new position, Lintal relied on one essential skill: listening to the community members she serves. “I’ve been blown away by our community,” says Lintal, a South Central Pennsylvania native who earned a bachelor’s degree in international affairs and Spanish from Lafayette and a Juris Doctor from University of Miami School of Law. “Everyone has different strengths and talents, and so my goal is to figure out how we as a community can bring those diverse interests together to serve and care for one another.”

A former attorney in the Office of General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Chicago, Lintal is focused on issues affecting the daily lives of residents, including housing affordability, human services, and access to food and transportation. “How do we use the limited resources we have to make our community a sustainable place where people can afford to live and work? These are the types of issues that are important to me,” she explains.

Here, Lintal reflects on serving at a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, and how unexpected opportunities can lead to rewarding work.

Stewarding a historic milestone

Best known as site of the 1863 Civil War battle and President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Gettysburg intently prepared for America250. Although Lintal stepped into office only recently, she is eager to support the residents, organizations, and volunteers who have shaped the celebration. “I feel a great honor and privilege to be in this position where people can share with me their ideas, concerns, and challenges,” Lintal adds. “My biggest desire is to be present, hear everyone, offer thoughtful remarks, and serve the community with a purpose.” Planned events—which Lintal explains community members have been working on for at least four years—include a reenactment of Lincoln’s visit, Civil War commemorations, Independence Day festivities featuring a U.S. Army band, and a large-scale fireworks display.

The work of public service

Lintal identified leadership qualities that are critical at every level of government: dependability, accountability, and engagement. “Elected and appointed officials are accountable to the public and the residents of the community,” she says. “It’s important to be that force that brings people together and creates solutions that will help that community.” For her, public service is rooted in showing up, listening carefully, and helping people work toward common goals.

Lessons beyond the office

Alongside her public career, Lintal has maintained a longtime commitment to Iyengar yoga, a practice she began as a Lafayette student. Over the years, this highly accessible form of yoga has helped her navigate major life transitions, from preparing for the bar exam to relocating across the country and building a family and career. “It provided a grounding, a confidence, and an ability to be present and aware so that I could align myself with my values and priorities,” Lintal says.

Her dedication eventually led her to become a certified Iyengar yoga teacher and open Hidden Wisdom Yoga in Gettysburg. The principles Lintal teaches—truthfulness, moderation, contentment, self-reflection, and gratitude— extend beyond the studio. “It’s something I take off the mat and into my work as mayor as well,” she says.

Embracing the unexpected

Becoming a mayor was never part of Lintal’s career plan. But in accepting the opportunity to serve, she’s found her calling. “It combines all of my skills in a great way,” she says, noting that her legal background gives her insight into how policies impact people’s day-today lives. The liberal arts education she received at Lafayette, she adds, gives her a broader perspective and helps shape how she navigates uncertainty. “Lafayette nurtured my love of learning, taking on new challenges, and problem-solving,” she says. “That especially becomes relevant when it’s directly related to issues in your community.”

Her biggest piece of advice for others, she says, is to not be afraid to get involved in a variety of interests. “When you follow your purpose, you may not always know where you’re going to end up, and sometimes you don’t fully know what the outcome of your decisions is going to be. But you can’t let fear take over. Sometimes you just have to make a move, and great things can happen.”