Kingston Selectmen Unanimously Appoint Abington Town Manager Scott Lambiase as Next Administrator
KINGSTON - November 25 - The Kingston Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Monday to appoint Scott Lambiase, Abington’s current town manager, as Kingston’s next administrator. The appointment follows a comprehensive search process and brings 18 years of municipal management experience to lead town operations. The hire is contingent on contract negotiations and background checks.
The Full Story
Board Chair Eric Crone introduced Lambiase as the search committee’s unanimous choice after what he described as a comprehensive review of applications and interviews with qualified candidates. The committee evaluated leadership experience, communication skills, and alignment with Kingston’s priorities.
“Scott currently serves as the town manager of Abington, where he has successfully led a balanced budgeting process, strengthened labor relations, enhanced digital communication and transparency, and revitalized key community committees,” Crone said. Before Abington, Lambiase spent nearly 15 years as director of municipal services in Duxbury and served on the Whitman Board of Selectmen and the Massachusetts Municipal Association Policy Committee on personnel and labor relations.
Lambiase told the board his priority would be communication and community engagement. “One of the biggest things that I feel that I heard loud and clear in the past communities was that communication out of town hall and communication to the public and finding ways to engage the community and help them understand what is going on is key and important,” he said.
His goals for Kingston include ensuring the town’s success, meeting the board’s objectives, and helping department heads achieve their goals while ensuring alignment across all levels of government. “I’d love to take some of the experiences that I’ve gained in the other communities and bring them here,” he said.
Lambiase also emphasized volunteer recruitment, a persistent challenge for Kingston and communities across Massachusetts. “Towns like ours, they can’t operate without volunteers. It’s just the way it’s set up. So I’ve been pretty active trying to do that myself and would love to bring that to Kingston as well.”
Board members questioned Lambiase on several issues. Selectman Kim Emberg asked about his knowledge of water issues affecting Kingston, particularly the Jones River watershed and regional water supply concerns. Lambiase referenced his service on the Central Plymouth County Water District Commission and his familiarity with the topic.
“I wholeheartedly agree with their wanting to preserve the Jones River. It’s an amazing resource,” Lambiase said when asked about balancing development with environmental protection. “It not only protects Kingston and the Jones River, but the impact that it has on the Gulf of Maine, Kingston Bay—all of that is very important to me.”
When Emberg asked about his biggest obstacle in transitioning from Abington, Lambiase acknowledged the learning curve. “It’s just being the new guy and bridging the relationships, gaining the trust of the community, gaining the trust of the department heads, working to find out exactly what your goals and objectives are,” he said. “But once we get going, I think it’ll be great.”
Selectman Carl Pike told Lambiase the board expects the administrator to challenge board decisions when necessary. “I look forward to a town administrator who’s not afraid to challenge the board of selectmen, that if he sees the board heading down a path that could be troublesome, let them know, bring up the differences in opinion,” Pike said.
Crone agreed, noting the board hires experts for their expertise. “That’s why we hire experts—fire chief, police chief, finance director, HR director, town administrator. You guys are the experts, and we look for your guidance,” he said.
Emberg moved to appoint Lambiase as town administrator, contingent on contract negotiations, background checks, and reference checks. The motion received multiple seconds and passed 5-0 on a roll call vote, with Eric Crone, Kim Emberg, Missy Bateman, Carl Pike, and Don Alcombright all voting in favor.
Lambiase said he would need four weeks’ notice from Abington before starting in Kingston. The board recessed to executive session to discuss contract negotiations. George Samia will continue as interim town administrator during the transition.
During open forum, resident Will Cushman thanked Samia for his service as interim administrator. Emberg clarified there would be overlap between Samia’s departure and Lambiase’s arrival, as “these types of things are not immediate, typically.”
The board also addressed volunteer vacancies on town committees and boards. Emberg highlighted three open finance committee seats and encouraged residents concerned about budgets and taxes to consider joining. “This is a great opportunity for folks who are wanting questions answered and wanting more information to volunteer for finance committee,” she said. “Join, ask questions, be a part of the process.”
Why It Matters
The town administrator serves as Kingston’s chief executive officer, overseeing all departments, preparing the annual budget, implementing board policies, and serving as the primary liaison between elected officials and staff. Lambiase’s appointment brings stability after a period with an interim administrator. His emphasis on communication and transparency signals potential changes in how residents interact with town government. The four-week transition means Kingston’s new administrator should begin work before year’s end, allowing him to participate in early budget planning for fiscal year 2027.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To appoint Scott Lambiase as town administrator contingent upon successful completion of contract negotiations, a satisfactory background check, and reference checks. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous 5-0 (Eric Crone - aye, Kim Emberg - aye, Missy Bateman - aye, Carl Pike - aye, Don Alcombright - aye). (Timestamp: 47:27)
Motion: To recess to executive session, to not return to open session, for the purpose of conducting strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel - town administrator. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous 5-0. (Timestamp: 49:39)
Public Comment
Will Cushman spoke during open forum, wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving and thanking interim Town Administrator George Samia for his service. No other residents spoke during public comment.
What’s Next
The board will conduct contract negotiations with Lambiase in executive session. Lambiase will undergo background and reference checks. Once the contract is finalized and checks are complete, Lambiase will provide four weeks’ notice to Abington before beginning work in Kingston. The board’s next meeting is Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.