Select Board hires Municipal Resources Inc. to lead town manager search

The Town of Cohasset Select Board voted unanimously Jan. 6 to retain Municipal Resources, Inc. (MRI) as the professional search firm to lead the town manager recruitment. The appointment followed presentations from two firms and a roll-call motion by Select Member Paul Grady, seconded by Select Member David Farrag.

Board Chair Ellen Maher opened the discussion after the meeting returned from executive session. Mary Aicardi of the Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management described her group's process for setting candidate goals and recommended the committee avoid searching candidates online before interviews as a way to limit bias. MRI representatives Bob Mercer and Buzz Stapczynski outlined a ‘‘boots on the ground’’ approach and said their firm conducts extensive background research on potential candidates and currently has viable prospects. Board members polled their preferences and each announced support for MRI before the formal motion to appoint the firm passed with all votes recorded as Aye.

Why it matters: The search firm will guide the recruitment, screening and interview stages for a replacement town manager, shaping candidate outreach, evaluation criteria and the timeline for appointing a new manager. Select Board members did not set a public timetable during the Jan. 6 meeting.

Board direction and next steps: The board's formal vote authorizes MRI to begin work on the recruitment. Select Board members indicated they expect the firm to work closely with the interim town manager and appointing committee to refine candidate criteria and schedule interviews.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 001 (Collins Center presentation) — topfinish SEG 002 (appointment motion and vote).