Renae Marshall was named town administrator Oct. 9 after having held the post on an interim basis since the former executive, Trevor Lashua, resigned in May.
Marshall will earn $71,448 a year. Selectboard Chairman Phil Pouech said the salary is based on “skill and experience.”
Marshall’s presence has been felt around Town Hall for a decade in an array of roles, including special projects coordinator and part-time E-911 coordinator.
“I’ve had the benefit of working with the past three town administrators and have learned so much from them,” she said. “I know this isn’t an easy role and have witnessed the toll it can take on people serving in this position during those controversial times.”
Marshall had a bird’s-eye view as protesters swarmed a portion of the pipeline Vermont Gas was building through Geprags Park last year under an agreement with the town. Residents sued late in the year in an unsuccessful effort to halt the construction.
In another legal case, the town settled a federal lawsuit by a local woman who alleged two town police officers used excessive force when responding to a call at her home. One of those officers later resigned.
More recently, the town saw the death of a young mother who was a Hinesburg Fire Department member.
“When towns are faced with controversial issues, it elevates emotions for folks on both sides,” Marshall said. “I think we now have the opportunity to reflect on those times and think about what we can do differently in order to serve the greater good of this community as a whole. These are the discussions we are already having and we will continue to have so we are better equipped when the next issue arises.”
In a news release on Marshall’s hiring, the Selectboard said her “experience with town government and her proven dedication to Hinesburg’s future revealed her as the outstanding choice.”
The release said applicants came from out of state and within Vermont. The town hasn’t revealed how many people sought the job.
“I’m not at liberty to say how many (resumes) we received,” said Selectboard member Merrily Lovell, who acted as a de facto chair of the seven-person panel handling the search. “It was a search committee, and (therefore) a personnel matter.”
Aaron Kimball, another member of the Selectboard and the search committee, didn’t respond to questions about the number of applicants.
The committee, which included town employees and residents, began screening applications in June.
Lovell said Marshall decided to apply after being encouraged by Town Hall co-workers. “Renae has been interim town administrator twice,” said Lovell. “The second time she realized she could do it. She’s very detail-oriented, and we’re very lucky to have her.”
Police Chief Frank Koss also praised the hire: “I have worked with Renae for years, and I believe the Selectboard made a good decision.”
The release said one of Marshall’s first responsibilities is to hire a town administrative assistant.
