Select Board appoints Sean Fitzgerald as interim Town Manager
Select Board · Meeting of July 2, 2026
WEST NEWBURY — The West Newbury Select Board unanimously appointed Sean Fitzgerald as Interim Town Manager, contingent on successful contract negotiations with Chair Wendy Reed handling talks. Fitzgerald, who has served as Town Administrator in Swampscott and Plastow, New Hampshire, and is currently interim in Hubbardston, was selected after interviews with two other candidates: Matthew Kraunelis, with 11 years as Town Manager in Reading, and Stephen Crane, recent Town Manager in Ipswich. The three-to-six-month interim position carries an hourly rate, no benefits, and an intended August 3 start date.
Member Christopher Wile secured a 60-day notice provision and Select Board approval authority for any hiring or termination decisions during the interim period.
In the full story:
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Source: the Select Board meeting of July 2, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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