LYNN — Andrew Hall is now the Lynn Water & Sewer Chief Engineer, returning to the department where he previously spent nearly two decades.
Hall, who recently served as the commissioner of the Department of Public Works, resigned from that role effective March 27 before taking the new position.
The Lynn Water & Sewer Commission approved Hall’s contract following a hiring process that lasted roughly three months and produced a limited pool of applicants. During the meeting, officials highlighted Hall’s qualifications, including his professional engineering license and prior experience with the city.
“I was hired here in 1996, and I worked here through 2014.” Hall noted that the commission had supported his education early in his career, paying for his graduate school to get his master’s in environmental engineering. He also obtained his professional engineering license in 2001.
He also emphasized his leadership background, saying, “I’ve worked for the Department of Public Works for 12 years.”
After years in administrative roles, Hall said he is looking forward to returning to more technical work.
“I’m excited to get back to engineering,” he said. “My current role is a little more babysitting…a little less engineering.”
“The technical challenges that you guys face here excites me and I think we’ll do a great job,” he added.
The position was posted across multiple platforms, including municipal job boards and the city’s website, but only drew one applicant who wasn’t Hall. It was noted that there are not many licensed engineers.
Commissioners discussed the extensive requirements needed to earn a professional engineering license, often referred to as a P.E. Candidates must graduate from an accredited program, pass exams, and complete years of supervised training.
“You have to go through at least five years of training under a licensed professional engineer,” LWSC Executive Director James Arsenault said. “And you have to show that you actually… have done the work.”
Given those requirements, Attorney Sam Vitali also noted that Hall’s familiarity with Lynn’s systems made him a strong candidate.
Commission members expressed confidence in the process and the outcome.
“I’m comfortable with the contract,” Chair Michael Celona said following a unanimous vote for Hall to be chief engineer.
Hall reiterated his enthusiasm for the position after staying away for so long, saying, “I’m looking forward to the engineering challenge…And I think my experience managing will come in handy.”
When asked about his goals, Hall pointed to improving core services.
“A clean Kings Beach and clean drinking water,” he simply stated.
Hall will begin his new role on Monday, bringing his experience in civil engineering and public works leadership back to Lynn’s water and sewer operations.
