WHITMAN - August 4, 2026 - Following a series of candidate interviews, the Whitman Select Board voted unanimously on Tuesday evening to appoint Sabrina Chilcott as the municipality’s new Town Administrator, subject to successful contract negotiations.
The Full Story
During a special meeting on Tuesday evening, the Whitman Select Board conducted public interviews with two final candidates for the position of Town Administrator: Sabrina Chilcott, Assistant Town Manager of Pembroke, and Stephanie Hirsch, former City Manager of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. A third scheduled finalist withdrew prior to the meeting.
Chilcott, who has served as Assistant Town Manager in Pembroke since 2017, emphasized her extensive background in municipal operations, labor relations, public communications, and staff mentoring. During her interview, Chilcott highlighted her collaborative approach to governance and her familiarity with local government structures in Massachusetts.
“A town administrator form of government was designed so that you could have a physical presence in the building while the direct person elected by the voters got to go do a daytime job... I’m looking for a collaborative experience.” — Sabrina Chilcott
The second candidate, Stephanie Hirsch, detailed her background in municipal management, including her time as City Manager in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and prior public service roles in Somerville, Massachusetts. Hirsch discussed performance management systems, strategic financial modeling, and public engagement strategies.
Following the completion of both interviews, board members deliberated on the strengths of each candidate. Members praised Hirsch’s high-level analytical and systems experience, while noting that Chilcott brought direct, hands-on administrative and human resources experience well-aligned with Whitman’s immediate operational structure. Select Board members highlighted Chilcott’s personnel background, municipal experience in neighboring Pembroke, and potential to mentor internal staff as key factors in their decision.
"I think a town administrator has a unique skill set that is different than a town manager. And she does seem to have that skill set as far as relationship building and mentoring and working with Matt—I can see them working really well together." — Shawn Kain, Select Board (01:35:45)
The motion to appoint Chilcott subject to negotiations was passed unanimously by the board.
