ABINGTON - December 17, 2025 - In a brief session on Wednesday, the Abington Select Board moved quickly to fill three vacancies on the town’s Search Committee. While two appointments passed unanimously, the board split 4-1 on the final seat, with recently elected member Nicole Emery casting the lone dissenting vote against former Holbrook Town Administrator Gregory Hanley.
The Full Story
The primary business of the evening focused on reviewing 20 applications for the three open resident positions on the Search Committee, a body typically tasked with vetting candidates for high-level town positions.
Chair Roger Woods opened the nominations by putting forward George O’Toole, citing his status as a long-time resident with “extensive background in both public and private sectors.” O’Toole was appointed by a unanimous vote. Vice-Chair Suzanne Djusberg followed by nominating Ted Duggan, highlighting his background in finance and accounting as well as his personal investment in the town with five children in the school system. Duggan’s appointment was also unanimous.
The final nomination, made by Select Board member Kevin Donovan, sparked the only debate of the night. Donovan nominated Gregory Hanley, pointing to his specific municipal executive experience.
“In my view he will bring to the table the information and experience needed to interview... He does have experience as a former Town Manager in Dracut, [and] the former Town Administrator in Holbrook.” — Kevin Donovan [02:18]
Select Board member Nicole Emery opposed the motion. While stating she had nothing personal against Hanley, she expressed a preference for other applicants in the pool.
“Nothing against Greg, I just think there’s other people I’d like to consider, so I’m a no.” — Nicole Emery [02:35]
Despite the objection, the board voted 4-1 to appoint Hanley, with Woods, Djusberg, Donovan, and Paul Bunker voting in favor.
In other business, the board unanimously approved a routine request to extend hours of operation for all liquor establishments in town until 2:00 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.
Why It Matters
The composition of the Search Committee is a critical step in the town’s governance, as this body acts as the gatekeeper for selecting key municipal leaders. The inclusion of members with direct town management experience, like Hanley, suggests the board is prioritizing technical expertise for upcoming hires. The new members join Chair Roger Woods, Vice-Chair Suzanne Djusberg, School Committee member Caroline Ellis, and Finance Committee member Matt Salah to make up the full seven member Search Committee.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To appoint George O’Toole to the Search Committee.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (5-0)
Vote: Woods, Djusberg, Bunker, Donovan, Emery (Yes) [01:18]
Motion: To appoint Ted Duggan to the Search Committee.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously (5-0)
Vote: Woods, Djusberg, Bunker, Donovan, Emery (Yes) [01:43]
Motion: To appoint Gregory Hanley to the Search Committee.
Outcome: Passed (4-1)
Vote:
Yes: Woods, Djusberg, Bunker, Donovan
No: Nicole Emery [02:41]
Motion: To authorize a 2:00 a.m. closing time for all liquor establishments on New Year’s Eve.
Moved By: Kevin Donovan
Outcome: Passed Unanimously [03:14]
Public Comment
No public comments were heard during this session.
What’s Next
Town Hall Closures: Abington Town Hall will be closed on December 24, December 26, and January 2. It will close at noon on December 31.
Next Meeting: The next Select Board meeting is scheduled for January 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.