Chelgren chosen as new Nahant town administrator

NAHANT – Jeffrey Chelgren, former town administrator in Wenham and Marblehead for a total of 13 years, is slated to become the new town administrator in Nahant.Following interviews for the Nahant position, Chelgren came in second to Sean Fitzgerald, town manager in Plaistow, N.H., who accepted the town manager?s job in Saugus on Friday. The third finalist was Joseph J. Domelowicz Jr., assistant to town manager and grants manager in Winthrop.Chelgren lives in the Diamond District of Lynn.?It?s my intention to take it,” Chelgren said Monday. “I?m in the midst of reviewing the paperwork, which I just got this afternoon. I?m honored, of course. It?s great to be associated with Nahant.”?I?ve lived in this area for 20 years,” Chelgren said during his interview last week. “Wenham is similar to Nahant. I enjoyed my time there. I could see myself in Nahant for the last segment prior to my retirement. I have 10 to 15 years left, and this is the place I?d like to be. I feel I could make a difference in this neighborhood.”Chelgren said he welcomes the expanded use of technology.?I brought technology into professional operations in Wenham,” he said. “It?s much more cost-efficient to use technology if you have the right people. I love technology.”During his final interview, Chelgren was asked about his weaknesses. “I am passionate about what I do,” he said. “Sometimes, I have to step back and let people who have a strength in a different skillset, such as engineering or law, take over, rather than trying to be resourceful for everything.”Selectman Perry Barrasso said he is confident Chelgren will reach an agreement and sign a contract by the next selectmen?s meeting, on Thursday.?He?s interested in the job,” Barrasso said. “He was very pleased when we offered him the position. He said he?s looking forward to getting back to work. We?ve forwarded a draft contract for his consideration.”