LYNN – The Lynn Water & Sewer Commission has selected James Arsenault as its new Executive Director.
Arsenault, who is the former public works director of Braintree and the former assistant public works director of Hudson, was the top choice among three of the five Commission members. The other two candidates included current Lynn Water & Sewer Commission Chief Engineer Anthony Marino and former Fairhaven Town Administrator Angie Lopes Ellison.
The Water & Sewer Commission interviewed the candidates and made the selection last Wednesday. During the interview process, the three candidates were asked the same set of questions which centered around their previous experience, strengths and weaknesses, future plans, leadership strategies, knowledge of water and sewer related issues, and familiarity with the City of Lynn.
“I was born and raised in Lynn. This is my community. I have experience. I understand what the community goes through. I have an incredible relationship with the city councilors. In a City like this, you need to have that type of communication. This organization really could be incredible. I think I can lead this place,” said Marino, who has been with the Lynn Water & Sewer Commission for 35 years.
He added, “I have a great relationship with the workers here. That relationship supports everybody. The councilors, the mayor, and the residents who need to be responded to. I’m aligned really well to do that. I’ve seen it from many angles. I’ve always been a little pigeonholed in what I do, but I really think I can move this place forward.”
Marino also described the executive director position as a job he’s “aspired to get” for his “whole career.”
“I am amazed by your vision about what to do and your wishes moving forward. But you have 35 years here. Have you not found any ways to push for these while here?” Ward 3 Councilor and Water & Sewer Commission Board member Coco Alinsug asked Marino.
Marino responded, “I can’t make all the decisions, and I respect the boss, but I do give my input. I’m limited in what I can do. If you look at my department that I have influence over, it is a shining star. I think I can adopt that philosophy with the rest of the commission. In the aspects where I can make progress, I have done that as much as I can in my position.”
Lopes Ellison was next to explain what her expertise and experience could bring to the role.
“My management style, as well as my leadership, would change the dynamic of what you’re looking for. My skillsets would excel this position to be able to do a lot more in regards to managing and moving the department into something that’s more effective and efficient,” she said.
She added, “I’ve worked in different organizations in different municipalities, so I know that what works in one community may not work in another community. If you keep putting people in the position that are similar to what you’ve had, you’ll get the same results. So if you’re looking to move in a different direction, I’d be the person to consider.”
During Arsenault’s interview, he described working with various water sewer and wastewater initiatives. These included helping to develop the plan for Braintree’s new regional water treatment plant and his involvement with Braintree’s stormwater management program. He also detailed his experience managing agency budgets and juggling large projects within multiple city divisions.
“I’ve done most things within public works, so if there’s an issue, I come up with something in the past that I’ve dealt with, and use that to help employees. I also always try to sit down with residents and explain why changes are happening, and I’ve been pretty successful in the past years doing so,” Arsenault said.
He added, “I would give my all to this job. I will not let you down.”
The Commission members agreed that all three candidates were strong and would do well in the role. During deliberation, they identified their top candidate and elaborated on their reasoning.
Water & Sewer Commission Board member Richard Colucci listed Marino as his first choice.
“He’s knowledgeable. He knows what he’s doing. He’ll be a good director,” Colucci said.
Water & Sewer Commission Board member Vincent Lozzi Jr. agreed.
“Anthony could be our fresh look to the future. He’s got decades of experience. He’s got good ideas. His technical skill is there. He’s top in his line of engineers. He just hasn’t had the chance to show his leadership, and I think he’d be great at it,” Lozzi said.
However, Water & Sewer Commission Board Chairman Michael Celona, Water & Sewer Commission Board member Robin Grace, and Alinsug were drawn to Arsenault’s leadership experience.
“He’s had the experience leading an organization. He’s involved with complicated, multi-community drinking water issues. He’s experienced with communicating with the public,” Celona said.
Grace added, “I got a sense that James is a leader, and I think that’s what we need right now.”
While advocating for Arsenault, Alinsug said, “Anthony is one of the leaders of our organization, and we value him and appreciate him. However, I personally think this institute needs a fresh leader.”
While the Commission mentioned that the decision was made on a quick timeline, Celona said the vote should ideally be cast as soon as possible, as the candidates are also searching for other employment opportunities.
The Commission made a motion to recommend Arsenault with three “yes” votes and two “no” votes. The Commission is now entering contract negotiations with Arsenault, and if he accepts the executive director position, he will be replacing Dan O’Neill.
