SWAMPSCOTT – Brian Szekely said it was funny that less than a year ago he was having coffee with Pete Kane discussing his master?s thesis in urban planning, and now he?s replacing Kane as Swampscott?s Town Planner. Szekely was appointed to the position Wednesday night at the Board of Selectmen meeting following a unanimous decision by Town Administrator Thomas Younger, Planning Board Chairman Angela Ippolito and others on the hiring committee. Ippolito said she feels that Szekely possesses “many of the fine qualities that made Pete successful.” Kane recently left the position to move out-of-state for personal reasons.A native of the Washington, D.C. area, Szekely spent three years as an environmental scientist in the New England area before earning a master?s degree in urban planning from Tufts University, where Kane also attended. Szekely also holds a master?s degree in conservation biology. Most recently, Szekely worked at Massachusetts General Hospital, but also counts a position at Yellowstone National Park among his experience.As a self-confessed avid cycler, Szekely said one of the projects he is excited to be a part of is the Rail Trail program to boost cycling infrastructure in the town, especially near the commuter rails. He said he is most looking forward to working on the town?s Master Plan.With a background in sustainability, Szekely said the goal for the town is to economically strengthen the town and protect its resources. “In Swampscott, undoubtedly that?s its beaches,” he said.Szekely will be officially starting as Town Planner at the end of the month, including his position assisting the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.?I think he?s going to be a great edition to the team,” said Younger.Shortly after welcoming him aboard the Swampscott team, Chairman Jill Sullivan playfully warned Szekely, “I?ll be in your office on the first day,” she said, and laughed before adding, “That?s not a joke. Just ask Pete.”