Jim Kern Appointed Dedham Town Manager

For Immediate Release
Friday, September 19, 2014

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Jim Kern Appointed Dedham Town Manager

DEDHAM — The Dedham Board of Selectmen last night unanimously appointed the first town manager in Dedham’s history, choosing Jim Kern, who currently serves as Town Administrator of Swansea.

The process to fill the position was extremely competitive, drawing a pool of more than 30 distinguished candidates.

“From our AAA bond rating, to new schools, to investments in our roads and our future new municipal campus, Dedham continues to be an attractive community to live, bring up a family, and build your business,” said Jim MacDonald, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. “Jim Kern brings an incredible depth of experience to Dedham, and I look forward to working with him as our first town manager.”

The search began after Town Administrator Bill Keegan accepted the Town Manager’s position in Foxborough. In April, Dedham voters approved several revisions to the town charter, one of which changed the Town Administrator title to Town Manager.

“Jim is the perfect candidate for Dedham, as our town continues to grow,” said Carmen Dello Iacono, Vice Chairman of the Board of Selectmen.

“It is a very exciting time for Dedham, as residents, government, and businesses continue to invest in this community,” said Selectman Dennis J. Guilfoyle. “I look forward to working with Jim in this new chapter in Dedham’s history.”

“Jim’s experience in city and town government makes him well-suited to lead Dedham forward, and I am excited for what the future holds,” said Selectman Mike Butler.

“Jim has a history of sound fiscal decisions and wise investment in infrastructure,” said Selectman Dennis J. Teehan. “We are all eager to see how he applies his skills here in Dedham.”

Kern served as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy from 1985-1992. He has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, both from the University of Rhode Island.

As town administrator of Swansea, he managed a $38 million annual budget and helped reduce deficits in town. He also oversaw the purchase of a former Fall River Diocese church to convert it into a 12,000 sq. ft. Senior/Community Center. Kern also oversaw the replacement of an obsolete 4,000 sq. ft. police station in Swansea and the construction of a, 18,000 sq. ft. new police station.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to work with the dedicated staff, residents, and business community in Dedham,” Kern said. “I want to thank the Board of Selectmen for their confidence. Dedham is a community on the move, and I look forward to being a part of it.”

The Town Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Dedham, and oversees the administration of all Town affairs and supervises Town departments that are placed in his charge. Appointed by the Board of Selectmen, it is the Town Manager’s job to implement and manage all policies, programs and procedures that have been adopted or endorsed by the Board and by Town Meeting. The Town Manager serves under the general direction of the Dedham Board of Selectmen pursuant to the Dedham Charter.

Additionally, the Town Manager is responsible for budget preparation and implementation, hiring personnel, and negotiating labor contracts. The Town Manager is the Chief Procurement Officer and is responsible for all Town property except school, library and parks and recreation property.

Interim Town Manager Nancy Baker will resume her previous role, serving as Assistant Town Manager. She was Assistant Town Administrator under Keegan.

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