Swampscott’s search for a new town administrator continues, with finalist interviews beginning Tuesday. Here’s a closer look at the process and candidates.
Who Are The Three Finalists?
The finalists, in the order they’ll be interviewed, are David Williams, Nicholas Connors, and Jason Silva.
Who is David Williams?
David Williams is currently serving as the human resources manager in North Smithfield, Rhode Island.
Williams served as Sherborn’s town administrator from February 2013 to January 2022, the longest tenure in recent memory. There he secured grants and saved about $100,000 in his first year by renegotiating health insurance coverage with the unions and vendor pricing, according to consultant Rick White.
He was also West Bath, Maine’s first town administrator.
During his time in Marlborough as the chief financial officer from October 2023 to November 2024, Williams reduced the other postemployment benefits (OPEB) by 20%, or $46 million by revising the OPEB Trust policy and increasing the aggressiveness of investments, according to White.
While working at the Brockton Housing Authority from June 2022 to April 2023 as the chief financial officer, he worked to replace two, ten-story towers containing 400 units of aging, low-income housing.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in public and nonprofit management from the University of Maine as well as a certificate in broadcasting from the New England School of Communications and a masters in public administration from James Madison University.
White asked the candidates to “describe their management style and provide a listing of their selected professional accomplishments.” He learned from Williams that he considers his management style “eclectic,” due to the different populations he has managed, that “at its core is ‘lead by example’ and emphasizes treating everyone with respect.”
“I have consistently sought to be creative throughout my career to maintain open and positive lines of communication,” the response in the packet reads. “Often, depending on the severity of the circumstances, I draw on a good sense of humor to help people navigate difficult situations.”
Williams held weekly “catch-up” meetings with department heads, which he said helped to reduce redundancy in service delivery. He also shared that it’s “essential” that all town staff understand the bigger picture.
Who is Nicholas Connors?
Connors currently serves as the assistant town administrator in Milton, where he helped lead the largest tax override in the town’s history, according to consultant Rick White.
As part of the Lynnfield Finance Community, a volunteer position, he advanced the first review of financial policies to take place in over a decade.
From February 2018 to March 2019, Connors directed the Green Communities program, where he oversaw its expansion and promoted energy efficiency statewide.
He was part of the team at the Department of Conservation and Recreation – where he was the director of external affairs and partnerships from May 2015 to February 2018 and then deputy commissioner for public affairs, policy and administration from March 2020 to October 2023 – that deployed technology to support remote work and park operations during the closures from the COVID-19 pandemic.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Northeastern University as well as a juris doctor from Suffolk University Law School. He will enroll in Suffolk University’s certificate program this fall for local government leadership and management.
White asked the candidates to “describe their management style and provide a listing of their selected professional accomplishments.” He learned from Connors that he prioritizes “the growth and development of the people I manage.”
“By creating that foundation of trust and mutual respect, I’m better equipped to support their professional development and remove professional impediments,” the response in the packet reads. “I actively encourage continuous learning, provide mentorship and seek opportunities to help team members expand their skills and take on new challenges.”
Connors also expressed in his response that it is “essential for innovation and long-term success” to take smart risks. He added that he views risk taking as “a collaborative effort” through “open communication and mutual trust.”
Who is Jason Silva?
Jason Silva currently serves as town administrator in Dunstable, where he increased the bond rating to Aa3, according to consultant Rick White’s notes.
Previously, he served as Marblehead’s town administrator from June 2018 to February 2022. While in Marblehead, Silva maintained the town’s AAA bond rating. In both Marblehead and Salem (where he was the director of municipal operations and capital improvements from March 2015 to June 2016 as well as the chief of staff from January 2006 to January 2013), the towns received excellence in financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association.
Silva’s other past positions include the director of community engagement at Regina Villa Associates from April 2022 to December of that year, the chief of staff for State Sen. Joan Lovely from June 2016 to June 2018, and the executive director of Salem YMCA from January 2013 to February 2015.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Salem State College as well as a certificate in local government leadership and management and a masters in public administration from Suffolk University.
White asked the candidates to “describe their management style and provide a listing of their selected professional accomplishments.” He learned from Silva that considers his management style “collaborative, supportive and communicative” and that he works to create a workplace that “fosters helpfulness and teamwork.”
“If I am contemplating a change, whether significant or small, I always involve all those who will be affected by it, and I remain open-minded when seeking feedback,” the response in the packet reads. “Building consensus is always my priority when considering all decisions.”
Silva added that while he strives for consensus, “I am not afraid to make a decision, even when some people disagree, if it’s necessary or the right thing to do.”
How were these three chosen?
The Town Administrator Search Committee received 34 applications. Consultant Rick White suggested in the packet sent to the Select Board that this number was “a lot in this market.”
“It was a good mix, especially considering the shallow recruiting pool,” White wrote.
The committee interviewed nine applicants in July, advancing four to the next round. One of the four later declined, according to Committee Chair Heather Roman.
“They have excellent backgrounds in municipal governments. They are well respected leaders, and they are excited about the opportunity that Swampscott provides them,” Roman said at the Select Board meeting Tuesday, August 5.
The committee was able to advance up to five candidates to the final interviews.
“We wanted to only present candidates that we thought were 100% a good fit for Swampscott, had experience and were up to the challenge,” Roman said. “That’s where we ended up.”
What questions did the Search Committee ask?
Each candidate was interviewed for an hour. There were 11 questions as well as several follow-ups asked throughout the interview.
The questions were as followed:
- Please introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in Swampscott.
- If hired, what would be your top priorities in the first six to 12 months?
- Why are you leaving your current position?
- What have you learned about Swampscott’s current Board of Selectmen, and what do you believe will be the biggest challenge working with them?
- What were some of the most difficult problems you have faced in your career, and what are some solutions you have implemented to resolve them?
- A hypothetical scenario: you inherit a senior management team of 12 who are working in silos, feel disconnected from the goals of the Select Board as well as their peers. Productivity and morale could be better. How would you approach improving this situation?
- Name a time when you have failed and were publicly embarrassed because of it. How did you recover, and what did you learn from it?
- How do you ensure fairness and transparency in town operations?
- In your review of Swampscott’s finances, what would you identify as your top three areas of concern and priorities?
- Please describe your experience developing policies and programs related to sustainability and resiliency.
- As you may be aware, our local beach has pollution issues stemming from raw sewage. It is a complex issue that has remained unresolved for over 100 years. How would you approach tackling something like this?
What happened with the results from the community survey?
The survey results informed the questions that the Town Administrator Search Committee asked the candidates.
The survey asked residents to rank essential leadership traits. Residents ranked transparency as the most essential leadership trait, followed closely by financial expertise.
Overall, financial management was named the top priority, with education and infrastructure also ranked highly. Other concerns included climate action, public safety, and housing.
When are the Select Board interviews?
Williams and Connors will be interviewed on Tuesday, August 12, starting at 5 p.m., while Silva is scheduled for Monday, August 18, at 6 p.m.
How did we get to this point?
The search followed former Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald’s resignation in late 2024. Although his contract was set to expire in June, Fitzgerald agreed to take a paid leave of absence during his final months.
During a public interview for the Danvers town manager position, Fitzgerald cited disagreement with newly elected Select Board members as a key reason for stepping down after eight years.
The Town Administrator Search Committee was established to solicit and evaluate applications for the lead position. The five-member committee has met regularly since late February.
On May 26, the town posted the job opening to advertise the town administrator opening. The Mass Town Career posting listed the current salary range as $200,000 and above.
Interviews were conducted by the search committee during the week of July 21.
Who has been filling in as town administrator?
Gino Cresta, director of the Department of Public Works, has served as interim town administrator since December 16. He was reappointed to the position in June by the Select Board.
He previously served as the acting town administrator from late 2016 to early 2017.
