SWAMPSCOTT — The Select Board voted unanimously to hire ReadySet as the town’s diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting firm.
In May, ReadySet presented its potential implementation strategies to the board along with two other candidates, HCH Enterprises and Roads Consulting Group. ReadySet’s proposal was led by Executive and Leadership Engagement Head Meghna Majmudar and Senior Consultant and Facilitator Viveka Kymal.
The pair proposed a three-part plan to the board that would take place over approximately a year. The three pillars of the plan were titled context assessment, strategic planning and advisory support, and embedding new behaviors.
Board member Danielle Leonard was the first to give her endorsement to ReadySet, citing its familiarity with the region and its plan in comparison to the others.
Board member Doug Thompson echoed Leonard. He said that the presence of a detailed financial plan in ReadySet’s proposal set it apart from its peers. In addition, he appreciated how the firm did not seem predetermined to hire a DEI manager position or a team of individuals if it felt Swampscott was better suited for a different strategy.
“I am ready, set, go,” Thompson said in support of hiring ReadySet.
Vice Chair Katie Phelan said that ReadySet would have the most appropriate level of sensitivity when engaging with the town on the topic of DEI.
“DEI is a delicate task, because everybody comes to the table at a different point in their process,” Phelan said. “I feel like you do have to have a certain delicacy about it so that people don’t get turned away by the process, so that people want to engage in the process.”
Board Chair MaryEllen Fletcher said that she did not come to the decision to vote for ReadySet easily due to the high level of competition.
Board member David Grishman was the sole member who did not have ReadySet as his first choice, initially endorsing Roads. He described Racial Equity and Facilitation Specialist Marcus Moore’s charisma and passion as the primary reason he favored Roads.
Once the motion passed, Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald assured that the collaboration with ReadySet will begin in the near future.
