Chelmsford select board votes unanimously to appoint Alex McGee as next town manager

Alex McGee was selected unanimously by the Chelmsford Select Board as the town’s next manager on July 6, the board announced after interviewing two finalists in a public special meeting.

McGee, a Westford resident who told the board he volunteers in Chelmsford and called the job “a dream,” outlined more than 14 years of municipal finance and management experience in Massachusetts, including roles in Lowell, Hamilton, Arlington and Andover. In his presentation he cited work on school building projects and grant programs — including involvement with a $290 million MSBA high‑school project and securing multiple accelerated‑repair grants — and said he has pursued earmarks and other capital funding for prior employers.

The board’s public interviews also included Thomas (Tom) Gregory, who described a 20‑year municipal career administering community development block grants, leading a regional homelessness initiative, and serving in municipal leadership positions in Shrewsbury, Walpole, Spencer and Hudson. Gregory highlighted capital and infrastructure projects he oversaw, a community outreach role in a nearly $4 million override, and use of regional service arrangements (he cited joining the Nashoba Valley regional dispatch district) as examples of finding operating efficiencies.

During roughly two hours of questions and answers, board members pressed each finalist on community engagement, handling the news media, legislative relationships, strategies to address a structural budget deficit and early transition priorities. McGee emphasized early one‑on‑one meetings with department heads, standing and informal contact with state legislators (naming Rep. Jim Arciero and Rep. Rodney Elliott) to pursue grants or earmarks, and building a close working relationship with the finance director. Gregory stressed fiscal stewardship, multi‑board collaboration, and prior experience executing capital projects and public outreach around an override.

After both interviews, the board opened a deliberative discussion. Several members praised Gregory’s tenure and experience; most of the board said McGee’s local ties, finance background and volunteer work in Chelmsford tipped the balance. Jeff Hardy moved to appoint McGee and Aaron seconded the motion. The board took a roll‑call vote and all members voted yes.

The appointment is subject to standard negotiation and contract approval. Chair said he had scheduled a meeting the next morning with Lisa Maroney to draft contract criteria for negotiation and that any final contract will be submitted to town council for review. The board said the chair would notify both finalists later the same evening of the decision.

Votes at a glance Motion: Appoint Alex McGee as next town manager (subject to negotiation of terms and contract review). Mover: Jeff Hardy. Second: Aaron. Roll‑call: unanimous yes.

Context and next steps Board members noted Chelmsford’s strong fiscal position but acknowledged a structural budget gap and constraints imposed by Proposition 2½. McGee and Gregory both told the board they would prioritize relationships with department heads and town financial leadership during the transition; both outlined 30/60/90-day plans focused on meeting staff, inventorying capital projects and preparing for budget and town‑meeting seasons. The chair said contract criteria and the draft agreement will be developed with counsel and the screening‑committee representative before any formal employment contract is sent to town council.

Quotes “It's a dream job for me,” McGee told the board. “I'm not going to find anyone that's going to work harder or immerse themselves in the community more than I will.”

“I'd like to finish my career here in Chelmsford,” Thomas Gregory said when asked how long he would stay if hired.

What this means for Chelmsford The board’s unanimous vote starts a short period of contract negotiation. If both sides reach agreement and town council approvals proceed as expected, McGee would succeed outgoing management leadership and begin transition work with department heads, the finance team and the superintendent ahead of budget season and upcoming town meeting.

The board adjourned with plans to return a final contract for review once negotiations are complete.