Schiavi Tapped As Interim Town Administrator

 HARWICH – On a 4-1 vote Monday, the select board agreed to enter into a contract with local resident Anthony Schiavi to serve as the town’s interim town administrator. 

Schiavi has served as both a town manager and town administrator in other Massachusetts communities. He was invited to meet with the select board on Monday to discuss his interest in serving in the interim position. He said he is happily retired and living in East Harwich. 

“It’s my town, I raised my children here, and I have a personal responsibility to listen to see if I can help in some small way, or big way,” Schiavi said.

Schiavi served as town administrator in Bourne from 2019 to 2021 before retiring. He served as town manager in Ashland from 2013 to 2016. He was the executive director of the Massachusetts Military Reservation in 2012 and 2013 and he was previously a fighter pilot and wing commender in the 102d Fighter Wing out of Otis Air National Guard.

The select board was looking for an interim town administrator while searching for the next town administrator to replace Joseph Powers, whose term expired on June 30. The board last week moved assistant town administrator Meggan Eldredge to the acting town administrator position.

Also on Monday the board interviewed Rick While of Groux White Consultants, the only respondents to a request for proposals for a consulting service to assist with locating a full-time town administrator. White told the board he anticipated it would take 12 to 13 weeks to find a candidate. Earlier estimates by board members were that it would take six to eight months to bring on a new administrator.

Schiavi presented the board with a detailed description management style, including fostering team work, creating missions, and communicating with staff across the board. He said the 12- to 13-week timeline will not provide the opportunity to move “heaven and earth,” so he would work with the board to prioritize goals.

He spoke about the value of human resources and the importance of taking care of the people who work for the town. Staff is expensive, and retention is an important part of taking care of people, Schiavi said. Employees must be inspired and empowered, he said.  

“Team work, accountability, leadership is ingrained in me,” Schiavi said. “Coming out of the military, I don’t shy away from tough tasks.”

When asked by select board member Peter Piekarski how Schiavi would communicate with the select board, he responded that he would typically use for issues the board needs to be aware of so that members will never be surprised. If there is a critical issue, he said he would make individual phone calls.

“I return every phone call or email from the board and citizens,” he said. “I do not want the board to feel isolated.”

He also cited the importance of engaging with citizens and making sure they are connected to town government. It’s important that citizens know everything their government is doing and why, Schiavi said. 

“I’m not sure we’re going to find a more committed and comfortable candidate,” said Piekarski.  

The opposing vote came from select board member Jeffrey Handler. Handler had a number of questions about the timing and process of the decision and whether the town should advertise for additional candidates. He had made it clear in previous meetings that he is a strong supporter of Eldredge  

“We’re in very capable hands right now,” Handler said of the acting town administrator.

 Handler said he was very impressed with Schiavi’s capabilities. He praised the upgrade to AAA in bond rating in Ashland during Schiavi’s time there. However, he ended up casting the dissenting vote.

The next step is for the board to negotiate a contract with Schiavi, who gave no indication if he would apply for the full-time town administrator position.