Interim Town Administrator Gino Cresta told the Swampscott Tides that he plans to apply for the position on a full-time basis.

“I change my mind every day. Initially I was saying I was. It’s a little difficult right now with two positions,” Cresta said. “I’m going to say I’m pretty certain I’m going to apply for that position.”

The Swampscott Select Board appointed Cresta, who also serves as the director of the Department of Public Works (DPW), as the interim town administrator in January. He has since been balancing both roles, with some assistance from other town officials.

Cresta, who was raised in Swampscott, has led the DPW since 2003. He also previously served as the acting town administrator from late 2016 to early 2017. His current interim position ends in June, unless the Select Board extends it.

“It’s full circle,” Cresta said. “I’m back again.”

Why is there a need for a new town administrator?

Former Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald resigned from his position at the end of 2024, just months before his contract was set to expire. His departure came about two months after he took a medical leave.

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.

“There were some members of the (Select) Board who had recently been elected and, frankly, we just disagreed about a number of things,” Fitzgerald said. “I thought it would be best to negotiate a separation because sometimes you just get to a point where philosophically you just don’t see the same vision.”

Fitzgerald went on to say he wanted to “do my best to try to leave in a way that would help support the principles that I had” while also supporting the town.

However, in December, Fitzgerald said he stepped down to be around his three children more.

Select Board Chair Mary Ellen Fletcher would not comment on the issue at the time of publication.

“These are personnel matters, and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on personnel matters,” she said.

Despite his resignation, Fitzgerald continues to receive regular pay through the end of his contract on June 30, according to documents Select Board Member David Grishman shared on Facebook. He will receive $13,801.40 for all vacation time earned and accrued prior to the start of his leave of absence, bringing his total compensation to $159,283.

What’s next in the town administrator search process?

The Town Administrator Search Committee was established to solicit and evaluate applications for the lead position.  The board, which consists of five people, has been holding consistent meetings since the end of February. 

A community survey will be distributed to gather input on the qualities that residents want in the next town administrator. On May 26, a job posting will be made, and interviews are expected to start on July 21. 

The search committee said at a meeting on May 5 that it plans to present its top three to five choices for town administrator to the Select Board on August 4.