Halifax Board of Selectmen Appoints Robert Fennessy as Interim Town Administrator
Former Carver and Kingston administrator brings decades of municipal experience to temporary role while town searches for permanent replacement
HALIFAX - July 1 - The Halifax Board of Selectmen unanimously appointed Robert Fennessy as Interim Town Administrator Tuesday evening, selecting him from two candidates interviewed for the temporary position.
Fennessy, who previously served as Town Administrator in nearby Carver and Kingston, brings more than 40 years of experience in municipal government and law enforcement to Halifax. His appointment is subject to successful contract negotiations and a background check.
"I hope I'm chosen, I think if you choose me, I think you're getting more than one person," Fennessy told the board during his interview. "You're getting a legal mind, you're getting a HR mind, you're getting a TA manager's mind."
The board interviewed two candidates for the interim position during Tuesday's meeting. Fennessy competed against Ari Sky, a former Lakeville Town Administrator with extensive financial management experience.
Board Chair Jonathan Selig praised both candidates following the interviews. "I can't say this enough. Both candidates are great," he said during the board's deliberation. "It's such a breath of fresh air compared to... what we were getting three years ago."
Fennessy's background includes serving as a police officer with the MSPCA law enforcement division, where he worked his way up from officer to deputy chief. He later attended law school, passed the bar, and established a private practice while continuing his municipal service.
His municipal experience spans multiple communities, including six terms as a selectman in Plainville and Town Administrator positions in Boylston, Kingston, and most recently Carver. He also worked as a professor at UMass Law School, teaching municipal law, animal law, and employment law.
"I have kind of a collaborative management style. I make people feel respected and appreciated for what they do," Fennessy explained during his interview. "We're all here working for the town, for the betterment of town."
The interim appointment comes as Halifax transitions from outgoing Town Administrator Cody Haddad, whose last day is July 8. Haddad praised the town's transformation during his tenure.
"If you look at where the town was two and a half years ago to where it is now, it's not close to the same period," Haddad said. "The culture has totally changed. All positive."
Fennessy indicated he could begin work immediately and expects to get up to speed within a week. He proposed working 28 to 38 hours per week over four days, taking advantage of the town's Friday closure.
"How long would it take me? It would take me a week," Fennessy said when asked about his transition timeline. "I know the work and the game."
The board expressed confidence in Fennessy's ability to maintain stability during the transition period. Board member Thomas Pratt noted both candidates emphasized not disrupting ongoing operations.
"I heard from both... not rocking the boat, steering the ship, steadying the tide was the general message," Pratt said during deliberations.
Fennessy's familiarity with the region played a role in the board's decision. His recent experience in Carver and Kingston, along with his knowledge of the Silver Lake Regional School District, appealed to board members.
"I did like with Bob where he's familiar with the lay of the land," Selig said. "He was around the corner in Carver and up the street in Kingston."
The Interim Administrator emphasized his commitment to supporting both the board and staff during the transition. He described his approach as bringing everyone "into the fold" rather than using a top-down management style.
"I don't think you guys are better than me. We're equal. I don't think I'm better than them," Fennessy said. "I think everybody plays a role, you know, in the town and in town government and governance."
Fennessy indicated his availability extends through the duration of the search process, with one planned vacation to the Greek Islands in September. He expressed interest only in the interim position, not the permanent role.
"I'm doing the job for the municipality, help the municipality get through that interim phase, and then you move on," he said. "And they move on with their new town administrator."
The board plans to begin searching for a permanent town administrator while Fennessy handles day-to-day operations. The interim appointment allows Halifax to maintain continuity in municipal services during the transition period.
Other business discussed during the meeting included ongoing challenges with NuGen and the MBTA Communities Act. The board also addressed the town's financial outlook, with discussions about a potential override for fiscal year 2027.
The board entered executive session following the appointment to discuss contract negotiations with Fennessy. Terms of the interim agreement were not disclosed during the public portion of the meeting.