After completion of an extensive recruitment search, the Town of Winchester Board of Selectmen is pleased to announce the selection of Joshua Steele Kelly, MPA as Winchester’s next Town Manager.
The Town of Winchester continues to move forward with encouraging sustainable growth. Through the hard work and support of many invested community members and a strong town staff we have begun to witness the transformation of our town. In his application Mr. Kelly stated, “I have been able to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability so that staff are able to deliver higher quality services to residents. I will bring this same work ethic, perspective, and attitude to Winchester, along with my genuine excitement to be an active part of your community.” We believe that we have found, in Joshua Kelly, a Town Manager that will embrace the essential traits that Winchester needs - executive leadership, fiscal responsibility, enthusiasm, and an investment in our community.
Mr. Kelly currently serves as the Town Administrator and Bolton Lakes Sewer Administrator for the Town of Bolton. He is on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Council of Small Towns. Prior to that, he served as a Management Analyst for the Town of Windsor and did his graduate work as an assistant in the Town Manager’s office in Windsor.
Mr. Kelly has a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Wheaton College and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Connecticut. He is also certified as a Municipal Official through the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and has a Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management from the University of Connecticut.
His past work in local government also includes serving on the Inland Wetland and Conservation Commission, a Board Representative in Waterford, and a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The application process was facilitated by Connecticut Conference of Municipalities Executive Search Division and began with community and staff input regarding the qualities and traits that were desired to fill this important role. Applications were received from the state as well as across the country and a selection of candidates took part in initial interviews with the Town Manager Search Committee. The search committee, comprised of the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager Bob Geiger, and Superintendent Melony Brady-Shanley, interviewed the finalists and concluded that Mr. Kelly is the best candidate to serve the Winchester community.
Mr. Kelly participated in a screening by the CCM Executive Search Division, an initial interview by the hiring committee, a half-day final interview process, and an extensive background records check.
His tentative start date of full time work is in early April to honor the Town of Bolton’s 60 day contract clause. We are fortunate that our current town manager, Bob Geiger, will work with Mr. Kelly during the transition to introduce him to the NHCOG, emergency services, staff, etc. to help Mr. Kelly become more acquainted with the community prior to his arrival.
The terms of Mr. Kelly’s employment as Town Manager follows the current town manager’s contract: a salary of $120,000; three weeks’ vacation; contribution to his 401K; and the same healthcare benefits as received by other municipal employees.