ANDOVER, MA — Kendra Amaral, Wilmington’s respected Assistant Town Manager and Human Resources Director, will be sticking around.
Last month, Amaral was announced as one of two finalists for the open Andover Town Manager position.
Andover’s previous Town Manager, Reginald “Buzz” Stapczynski, retired on June 30 after serving 25 years. Coincidentally, prior to arriving in Andover, Stapczynski served as Wilmington’s Town Manager for nine years.
Amaral was selected by a screening committee from a pool of 36 candidates.
Last Friday, after six weeks of 1-on-1 interviews with Selectmen, group interviews with department heads and senior staff, and a community forum and public Q&A with residents, Amaral was passed over for fellow finalist, Andrew Flanagan, Arlington’s Deputy Town Manager.
While unanimously supporting Flanagan, Andover Selectmen offered high praise of Amaral.
“I like Kendra for her operational skills, her presentation skills, her focus on the importance of data in driving important decisions, and her understanding of the key importance of technology in today’s world,” said Selectmen Chair Mary O’Donoghue.
O’Donoghue also noted Amaral’s strong work ethic, broad experience in a variety of communities, and overall competence and qualifications.
Selectman Paul Salafia noted that he was impressed by Amaral in “many areas,” while Selectman Bob Landry referred to Amaral as “a very strong candidate.”
Throughout the process, Amaral, 39, was referred to as a “rising star in municipal government.”
Prior to joining Wilmington in 2012, Amaral served as Lowell’s Deputy Director of Planning and Director (2010-2012) and the Chief of Staff to former Amesbury mayor Thatcher Kezer (2006-2010).
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