Town Manager Jim Kern has announced he will retire later this spring. This is an inflection point for the town and presents an opportunity for the Board of Selectmen to set their sights high in hiring our next chief administrative officer.
I have the unique experience of having overseen a Town Manager as a member of the board previously, and having served on the last Town Manager search committee.
The next Board’s actions will be critical for our community. First, they will need to hire the best person for Dedham—someone who has the skills & experience to steer a town as fast-moving and complex as Dedham and who is committed to understanding the town and its residents.
Second, and often overlooked, the Board has a chance to reset expectations for how the new Town Manager approaches the job. Will the expectation be that the Town Manager communicate consistently with residents on major initiatives? Will the Town Manager encourage department heads to work together and share best practices? Will the Town Manager be present and active in the community beyond Town Hall? The Board will need to establish high standards and hold our new Town Manager accountable.
These decisions have long-term implications and require leaders who understand how to build strong teams, establish a shared vision and encourage collaboration to make that vision a reality. I have a track record of success—both professional and on the Board previously—of doing just that.
Regarding next steps, the Board of Selectmen has voted to create a Town Manager Search Committee made up of designees for each Selectmen, as well as members of the Planning Board, School Committee, Finance & Warrant Committee and the Town Moderator. At their meeting this week the Selectman chose their representatives, and the board released a Request for Proposals for a firm to help recruit qualified candidates.
I want to thank Jim for his service to the town these last five years and wish him the best of luck in his next endeavors.
Stay tuned for updates on the process and details on how you can participate in the search & hiring process.
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