Natick Select Board: ‘We Will Be Appointing an Acting Town Administrator as Soon As Possible’

The following statement was sent to SOURCE by Natick Select Board Chair Jonathan Freedman. At tonight’s Select Board meeting, the board and Town Administrator will make the joint announcement below regarding town leadership.

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NATICK — The Natick Select Board and Town Administrator Melissa Malone wish to jointly announce a decision with respect to transitioning Town leadership. Ms. Malone, who has served the community since June 2018, shall resign her position effective December 28, 2020.

Accordingly, the search for a new Town Administrator will commence in the near future.

The Select Board thanks Ms. Malone for her leadership over these past few years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting impacts on the Town. Ms. Malone is grateful for her time in Natick and is committed to ensuring a smooth Town Meeting and transition in leadership.

The Select Board wishes Ms. Malone all the best in her future endeavors and sincerely thanks her for her service to the Town of Natick.

At the November 18, 2020 Select Board meeting, the board will give official notice of its intention to establish a screening committee to review applicants for the position of Town Administrator. At that time it will also make the notifications required by the Town’s by-laws. The applicable by-law is Natick Town By-Laws, Article 20, Section 4.

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We will be appointing an Acting Town Administrator as soon as possible. For this interim position, the board will be seeking an external person to act in this capacity, and intends to only consider candidates who are not employed by the town and who will not be seeking appointment to the permanent position. The applicable legislation is the Town of Natick Home Rule Charter Section 4-3.

Mr. Jamie Errickson, Deputy Town Administrator for Operations, will serve as the point person for the transition, and, if necessary, will perform the duties of Acting Town Administrator until an external Acting Town Administrator is appointed.

The Select Board reached this decision after having consulted with both Deputy Town Administrators, and we are grateful to Mr. Errickson for assuming this task. We are also grateful to Deputy Town Administrator John Townsend for his wise counsel and his diligence as he prepares next year’s budget.
The town is committed to providing a smooth transition for the community and employees.