SWAMPSCOTT — On Tuesday, Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald officially announced he will be stepping down from his position at the end of 2024.
Fitzgerald stated the reasons for his departure are based around his goal of being more available to his three children at home. He served as Town Administrator since he first took on the role back in 2017.
“This is a logical time for me to step away,” Fitzgerald said. “I’ve certainly enjoyed working in public life, and I love the staff that I’ve been working with in Swampscott, I think they’ve all defined a passion for public service. I’m grateful knowing the town will be supported by a cadre of dedicated public officials.”
He noted his high expectations of his colleagues, saying the team of public officials he has helped foster is second to none, according to Fitzgerald. “I’m also really grateful for all the hard work that the extraordinary team I’ve been with has been able to do.”
For Fitzgerald, some highlights of the work he’s done during his time as Town Administrator came to mind. Converting the Hadley School into a hotel, the acquisition of the Hawthorne waterfront site, and getting the town to drop civil service hiring practices for Police and Fire Departments were fond accomplishments for Fitzgerald as he took a moment to reflect on his work.
“At this point, it’s time for me to focus on my family,” Fitzgerald said.
“I think Sean’s been an outstanding Town Administrator for our community,” Select Board Committee member David Grishman said. “I’m sad to lose his leadership and his passion for public service.” He noted Fitzgerald’s work with the town’s budget, saying Fitzgerald set the town up for continued success.
“Getting the town to leave civil service hiring practices will ultimately be his legacy, and for that I’m so thankful. Not only for the work he’s done with the Select Board, but also for his friendship,” Grishman said.
Fire Chief Graham Archer said, “Fitzgerald was a great example of how government should be in Swampscott.” He thinks Fitzgerald has worked extensively to be both a more modern town, and more open between residents and public officials.
“He had a real skill for seeing potential and encouraging his colleagues, to includide them in his vision,” Archer said. “It’s a huge loss for the town, and he’ll be very hard to replace.”
