SWAMPSCOTT — Town administrator Sean Fitzgerald will be getting a six-year contract extension, the Board of Selectmen unanimously decided Wednesday night. Fitzgerald’s initial contract ends in 2020, and his new contract will keep him tending to the town through June 2026.
“It’s really been such a positive culture change in town hall,” said board member Naomi Dreeben. “We’re delighted you’re committed to staying here and delighted about having you.”
Fitzgerald was hired in early 2017 with a three-year contract and he has been met with high praise all across the board since he started. He has successfully overseen a complete renovation of the annual budget, reorganized the financial team, and worked with Superintendent Pamela Angelakis on hiring the town’s first Human Resource Director, Julie DeLillo.
The members of the board all voiced their appreciation for Fitzgerald’s hard work in the last year and a half, including Donald Hause, who was absent due to a family matter. Through Peter Spellios, the board’s chair, Hause gave his support for Fitzgerald’s contract extension even before the meeting began.
Spellios said his extension provides the long-term stability Swampscott needs and Fitzgerald has demonstrated an unprecedented work ethic and enthusiasm. He said Fitzgerald’s seriousness and willingness to face the toughest issues really highlight his commitment to the community. He added Swampscott is a better town as a result of the town administrator’s strong leadership skills.
Before coming to Swampscott, Fitzgerald was the town manager of Plaistow, N.H., and chief of staff to Michael Bonfanti, the former mayor of Peabody, according to a Daily Item report. His grandparents moved to the seaside town in the 1920s, which, according to him, drives his commitment to Swampscott even further.
Patrick Jones, the board’s vice chair, said Fitzgerald has done nothing but propel Swampscott forward. Laura Spathanas, the fifth board member, said the uniquely long-term extension really benefits the whole town. The entire board was in full support of keeping him around as long as possible.
Fitzgerald said he, his staff at town hall, and the Board of Selectmen all have varying opinions and ideas, but they all love Swampscott equally. Working with them has been just as enjoyable for him as it has been for them, he said.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for me, both professionally and personally,” he said. “There is so much potential and so much to advocate for.”
The Board of Selectmen and the town administrator’s office plan to finalize the terms of the contract extension and execute it within the next few weeks.
