Politics & Government

New Bedford Town Manager Selected

Applicant was chosen from four finalists.

After nearly nine months and two searches, the Bedford Town Council has selected its next town manager.

Jessie W. Levine of Springfield, NH, was chosen after the Council interviewed the four finalists yesterday.

Following the decision, the Council met with and authorized Municipal Resources, Inc. (MRI), the firm conducting the search, to negotiate a conditional offer of employment with Levine. This morning, council members were notified she has accepted the offer.

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Council members is expected to formally vote on the appointment and review and finalize employment terms at the its next meeting, on Aug. 15.

Subject to completion of a background check and evidence of general good health, the Council is anticipating that Levine will be on the job as of Tuesday, Sept. 4.

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Levine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College and has completed necessary course work for her Master’s Degree in Public Administration at the University of New Hampshire.

She currently serves as the Assistant Town Manager and Human Resources Director in Hanover and prior to that she was the Town Administrator for 10 years in New London.

Prior to beginning her public management career in New London, Levine was a legal assistant and litigation manager for two Boston law firms, she has served as a member of the Board of the NH Local Government Center, she's an active member of the Municipal Managers Association of NH and the International City & County Management Association and she's involved in a number of civic and community service organizations.

Levine is also an alumnus of the Leadership NH Program, the recipient of the 2007 ICMA Program Excellence Award and she was designated as one of the 40 Emerging Leaders in NH by the Union Leader/BIA in 2010.

“Ms. Levine really impressed the Council with her knowledge and understanding of NH local government; her familiarity with Bedford and the level of respect that she enjoys from her peers and past and current employers,” said Bedford Town Council Chairman Bill Dermody. “The amount of research she did before the interview was impressive, she was thoroughly prepared and demonstrated a level of competence and dedication to public service that convinced us all that she’s the right person for the job; we have a strong and capable group of department heads here in Bedford and the Council is confident that Jessie will be an outstanding leader and addition to our municipal team. “

Dermody also restated the Town Council’s appreciation of Acting Town Manager, Crystal Dionne, who willingly accepted the Council’s request to act as Manager since the unexpected loss of Town Manager Russell Marcoux.

“Crystal unselfishly stepped in to conduct the (town) manager’s responsibilities until a permanent replacement could be found," he said. "The eight intervening months 'til now were more than anticipated and Crystal has fulfilled her commitment unfailingly.


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