Whitman Hires New Full Time Town Accountant
Dana Dunford brings 18 years of financial industry experience to role, set to join town's finance team pending successful negotiations
WHITMAN, MA - June 18 - The town of Whitman has appointed Dana Dunford as its new Town Accountant following an extensive search process. The announcement came during the Select Board meeting on Jun 18, where members unanimously approved Dunford's appointment, subject to successful contract negotiations.
Town Administrator Mary Beth Carter presented Dunford's credentials to the board, highlighting her 18 years of experience in the financial industry and her Bachelor of Arts degree in forensic accounting.
"After having conducted several interviews, I'm pleased to inform the Board that we have a great candidate to put forth for the position of Town Accountant," Carter said. "Dana is currently a freelance accountant ... and is familiar with several of the accounting platforms we use here in Whitman."
Carter expressed confidence in Dunford's potential contribution to the town's finance team, stating, "I anticipate that Dana will make a wonderful addition to the Town's finance team."
The appointment comes at a crucial time for Whitman, as the town has been operating without a permanent accountant. John Q. Adams has been serving as the Temporary Accountant, assisting in the review process for Dunford's appointment along with the Assistant Accountant and Carter. Select Board Chairman Carl Kowalski, who had also met with Dunford personally, echoed the recommendation for her appointment.
The board also approved several line item transfers to help department budgets reach the end of the fiscal year, including $26,000 from vocational education to vocational transportation, and $3,000 from medical life insurance to legal services.
In addition to financial matters, the meeting also touched on other significant town initiatives. The board discussed updating the Open Space and Recreation Plan, a project that will span the next two years with a completion date of Dec 31, 2025.
This plan, which hasn't been updated since 2005, will involve research, public input, and analysis to identify methods, resources, and capital investment needed for the town's recreation and conservation goals.