By Max Bowen-max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
After less than a year in the role of assistant town manager, Michael Gallagher has announced his retirement.
At the Town Council’s hybrid meeting on Monday, April 12, it was announced the position would soon be advertised.
Gallagher has served as Town Administrator and Acting Town Manager for four years. When the town began the process of finding a permanent Town Manager, Gallagher said in October 2019 that he did not plan to pursue the position. He planned to remain with the town until June 2020.
“For the good of the community and next phase, it’s time for me to step aside and let someone else take the reins and take things to the next level,” he said in October 2019.
However, it seemed Gallagher’s time in North Attleborough was not yet over, as he was appointed to the role of assistant town manager in the summer of 2020. The position was created by Town Manager Michael Borg. The duties include some of the day-to-day operations, such as procurements, project management, collective bargaining with department heads, and facility maintenance.
“I crafted this position and job description, and Mr. Gallagher presented himself as a well-qualified individual,” said Borg.
Speaking at a Town Council meeting in July 2020, Borg said that having Gallagher in this role will allow the town manager to focus on more long-term plans.
The position is one of many that the town will need to fill. Police Chief John Reilly is set to step down in June, and finalists are being interviewed. Town Clerk Kevin Poirier retired at the close of his term on April 3, and NAPD Captain Joseph Direnzo stepped down in January.
