Auburn Appoints Interim Town Manager
By Janet Stoica
The Select Board has appointed Dori Vecchio, Assistant Town Manager/Human Resources Director, to serve as Interim Town Manager upon the retirement of current Town Manager, Ed Kazanovicz. Mr. Kazanovicz’s retirement is scheduled for the end of January. At their January 13th meeting the Select Board voted to engage the services of Community Paradigm Associates, LLC to assist in the recruitment of the Town Manager with the expectation of hiring the next Town Manager by late spring or early summer.
In October, Town Manager Kazanovicz had announced his retirement and had thanked the current and previous members of the Select Board and Auburn residents by stating that “it’s been an honor and privilege to serve you and I will forever be grateful for your trust in me and for allowing me to serve this outstanding community.” He cited his initiatives and accomplishments in the areas of the new fire headquarters at the site of the former Chuck’s Steakhouse, establishment of EMS Ambulance Service, police body cameras, adoption of financial policies resulting in the town’s AA+ bond rating upgrade, creation of the OPEB (town retiree benefits) trust with a balance of $10 million, Veterans Memorial corridor and parks, online permitting, senior housing development, construction and development of the Pappas Recreation Complex, as well as middle and high school construction.
At that time, Mr. Kazanovicz also stated that there was still much to be done and that he would remain laser-focused until his departure to ensure a seamless and smooth transition. He thanked the town’s management team including AssistantTown Manager, Dori Vecchio; Police Chief Todd Lemon; Fire Chief Steven Coleman; Deputy Chiefs Scott Mills and Glen Johnson; CFO Karen Harnois; DPW Director Joanna Paquin; DDIS Director Darlene Coyle; IT Director Mike Marino; Town Clerk Ginger Buteau; School Superintendent Beth Chamberlin; all Division Heads and their Assistants; and all other Town Personnel who helped to advance the betterment of Auburn.
His closing remarks were “after 30 years of being employed by the town, I am prepared to write my final chapter. Auburn and its residents will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you.”
