Selectmen Offer Top Administrator Job to Deputy Town Manager

Starting Feb. 24, Deputy Town Manager to replace as Arlington’s top administrator.

The offered Chapdelaine the job after a on Monday. Ashland Town Manager was the runner-up.

Selectman Kevin Greeley was the first to show his support for Chapdelaine.

“We’ve been able to do basically a two-year interview with Adam,” he said. “We’ve seen him work.”

He added, “Adam has already proved himself.”

Selectman Dan Dunn agreed.

“I’m with Kevin,” he said. “I think Adam is the stronger choice.”

During his interview, Chapdelaine spoke about his expertise handling municipal budgets and explained his leadership style is highly participative. He said he is committed to supporting Arlington’s public libraries through funding and appropriate staffing levels.

“I think it’s important for a community dedicated to learning to be committed to the library,” Chapdelaine said.

When asked if he would support consolidated operations between and town government, Chapdelaine said, “I think a well-planned and thought-out consolidation would ultimately result in better services.”

The incoming town manager said he would promote economic growth by working to develop updated zoning and permitting processes that match up to the expectations of the business community.

The key would be to add a streamlined process that would not discourage businesses from coming to Arlington, Chapdelaine said.

Selectman Annie LaCourt said she went into the first round of interviews with worries about how things would turn out. She was pleasantly surprised.

“I’m very pleased with very strong candidates,” she said.

LaCourt commended Chapdelaine’s ability to build relationships with town leaders.

“He’s just very smart, has a lot of integrity and is very calm,” she added. “I think he’s going to do great.”

Selectman Diane Mahon agreed.

“I would say the best candidate for Arlington right now is Adam Chapdelaine,” she said.

Chair Clarissa Rowe said she was most impressed by how many town leaders called her to give a positive reference for Chapdelaine.

Schools Superintendent Kathleen Bodie called to compliment the new town manager’s understanding of budgets and revenue. From the to the , Rowe said, “Everybody talked to me about Adam and how much they liked working with him.”

That played a role in her decision, Rowe said.

“We want to pick somebody the staff really liked and wanted to work with,” she added.

Rowe and an attorney will negotiate Chapdelaine’s three-year contract on behalf of the Board of Selectmen. Juliana Rice will not represent the town due to her work relationship with Chapdelaine.

“I think Adam is an extraordinary young man and he’ll do an incredible job,” Rowe said.

Chapdelaine is expected to begin on Feb. 24.