LYNN — James Arsenault has joined the Lynn Water & Sewer Commission as executive director.
Arsenault signed the employment agreement on Monday, which was unanimously approved by the commissioners after a 40-minute executive session.
“I’m very happy to be selected and to be coming into this job,” Arsenault told the Item.
Arsenault’s contract is from November 2025 to November 2028, with a base salary of $182,500.
“The Executive Director shall devote his full business time and such other time that may be necessary to the full performance of his duties in a manner which with faithfully and diligently and to the best of his abilities, further the goals, purposes, and interests of the Commission,” the contract reads.
The Commission selected Arsenault for the position on Sept. 17 after they also interviewed Lynn Water & Sewer Commission Chief Engineer Anthony Marino and former Fairhaven Town Administrator Angie Lopes Ellison. Former Executive Director Dan O’Neill retired from the position in July.
Arsenault, who is the former public works director of Braintree and the former assistant public works director of Hudson, was the top choice for the position among Commission Chairman Michael Celona, Commissioner Robin Grace, and Commissioner Coco Alinsug. Commissioners Vincent Lozzi Jr. and Richard Colucci listed Marino their first choice.
The Commission originally planned to discuss the details of Arsenault’s employment contract on Oct. 6, but Colucci and Lozzi Jr. voted against a motion to go over the documents, as they said they did not receive the draft until moments before the meeting. The session was then postponed to Monday, Oct. 20.
“It was a long process, but it got to the finish line. I think everybody is happy with what transpired,” Attorney Sam Vitali said after Arsenault signed the contract on Monday.
Celona said, “I’m really happy about the results. It was a good, transparent process. We’re really happy to have someone with a record with leadership coming into the position.”
Lozzi Jr. added, “He has the vision and the experience to move Lynn Water & Sewer forward. I think he’s going to do a good job.”
