By Geena Monahan – For the North Star Reporter
Four finalists have been chosen in the search for Norton’s next town manager, and among them is North Attleborough Town Councilor Mark Gould.
At the Norton Select Board’s Thursday, June 26 meeting, chair of the Town Manager Search Committee, Dinah O’Brien, came before the board to announce the four finalists for the job:
- Lisa Green of Whitman, current town manager in Hanson
- Mark Gould of North Attleborough, finance director in Framingham
- David Kurczy of Mendon, current police chief in Mendon
- Michael Moresco of Marshfield, former town manager of Marshfield
According to O’Brien, these finalists were chosen from a field of 162 applicants and went through two separate rounds of interviews. During the final round, candidates had to submit a writing sample, complete a powerpoint presentation on an issue facing Norton, and participate in a follow up Q&A session.
In order to move on to the final round, candidates had to receive a unanimous “yes” vote from all seven members of the search committee.
Gould was reelected to North Attleborough’s Town Council for a third consecutive term on April 1, and told the North Star Reporter that he hasn’t made any decisions yet on what the future looks like for his seat if he is chosen to be Norton Town Manager.
“At this stage, it’s too early to speculate about future decisions,” said Gould. “Should things progress, I would carefully assess what’s legally permissible, logistically manageable, and above all, what’s in the best interest of the communities I serve.”
The vacancy in Norton comes after current Town Manager Michael Yunits announced his retirement after 14 years on the job. Yunits’ last day was Monday, June 30, and Police Chief Brian Clark will serve as acting town manager until the role is filled.
In a resignation letter read at the Feb. 13 Select Board meeting, Yunits reflected back on his time as town manager, stating that his decision came with mixed emotions.
“During my 14-year tenure as Norton’s Town Manager, together we have definitely accomplished a lot for the betterment of this community,” said Yunits. “I truly consider it as my second home.”
According to O’Brien, the next steps in the hiring process are the final interviews, which will be conducted by the Select Board on July 12 at 9 a.m. The order of the interviews will go: Gould, Green, Maresco and Kruczy. The interviews will be held in open session.
“Regardless of the outcome, I remain focused on public service and committed to helping communities thrive wherever I’m called to contribute,” said Gould. “I’m proud of my work in North Attleborough and continue to be deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve.”