Wellesley Council on Aging votes to offer director job to Sehar Kiani, pending checks

The Wellesley Council on Aging voted 8–0 on March 27 to offer the Director of Senior Services position to Sehar Kiani, pending satisfactory reference checks and agreement on terms of employment, including salary. The special meeting was held remotely and livestreamed via Wellesley Media.

Kiani opened the interview with a presentation titled "Creating a Welcoming and Engaging Environment at the Dedham Senior Center," and answered questions from members of the Council on Aging board. After the candidate's exchange with board members and a round of questions to the board, the candidate was excused and the board entered deliberations.

Board members said Kiani’s experience as an assistant director was valuable but noted she is taking a step up and would require support from municipal staff. "The response to her candidacy was favorable," the board recorded, and Chair Judy Gertler proposed meeting with Patricia Decker, Secretary, and Dolores Hamilton, HR Director, to develop a support strategy and return to the board with recommendations.

Barbara Searle moved to make an offer to Kiani pending satisfactory reference checks and an agreement on employment terms, including salary; Robert McCarthy seconded. The motion carried on a roll-call vote at 8–0.

The board directed Gertler to consult with Decker and Hamilton on staffing and onboarding supports before finalizing an employment agreement. The meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m. and the minutes were signed by Patricia Decker; the record notes the minutes were approved on April 16, 2026.