MARBLEHEAD — Town Administrator Thatcher W. Kezer III has announced his plans to retire at the end of the year, marking another leadership transition for Marblehead’s top administrative position.
Kezer, who has served as town administrator since June 2022, notified the Select Board that he intends to retire effective Dec. 31, 2026.
Select Board Chair Dan Fox said Kezer’s decision comes after careful consideration.
“He has determined that he is ready and makes sense financially,” Fox said.
Kezer’s departure will continue a period of frequent turnover in the town’s highest administrative role. Since 2018, Marblehead has transitioned from former Town Administrator John McGinn to Jason Silva, back to McGinn on an interim basis following Silva’s 2022 resignation, and then to Kezer later that year. The next appointment will represent the fifth administrative transition in eight years.
Fox praised Kezer’s leadership over the last four years, particularly during a period that included financial challenges, infrastructure improvements, and changes to municipal operations.
“Thatcher has provided steady leadership during a period of significant challenges and opportunities for our community,” Fox said. “Under his administration, the Town has strengthened its financial position, modernized municipal operations, advanced critical infrastructure projects, secured substantial grant funding, and improved transparency and public engagement. The Select Board is grateful for his service and his commitment to the Town.”
Since joining Marblehead in 2022, Kezer has worked alongside the Select Board, town staff, volunteers, and residents on long-term financial planning, operational improvements, and municipal initiatives.
Most recently, Kezer played a central role in the town’s response to its fiscal challenges. He helped develop a long-term financial strategy that culminated in a $15 million operating override that passed with 54.3% of the vote. The measure gave Marblehead its first operating override since 2005 and the largest operating override the town has passed.
“Public service is ultimately about leaving an organization stronger than you found it,” Fox said. “Thatcher has helped position Marblehead to meet future challenges and opportunities, and we appreciate his continued commitment to serving the Town through the end of the year and assisting with a smooth transition.”
Kezer will remain in his role through Dec. 31 as the Select Board begins planning for the transition and the search for Marblehead’s next town administrator. The board is expected to discuss the recruitment process in the coming months.
