RUMFORD — George O’Keefe, the town’s economic development director, is also the town manager. George O’Keefe, left, incoming Rumford town manager, is congratulated by outgoing Town Manager Stacy Carter ON Wednesday night in the Rumford Town Hall, in front of bust of Hugh Chisholm, founder of Rumford Falls. Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times That announcement was made Wednesday evening during the Select Board annual organization meeting in the Town Hall.
O’Keefe, from Winthrop, succeeds Stacy Carter, who is officially retiring June 20 after serving four and a half years as the town manager. The board voted 5-0 to approve a one-year contract, which begins on June 17. For the time being, O’Keefe will continue to wear his economic development director hat.
Board Chair Chris Brennick said O’Keefe will be paid $88,000 as town manager and $17,000 as economic developer over a contract that will expire June 16, 2025. He said that after three months, the board will evaluate if that structure of town manager/economic developer continues to be “the right structure.” At that time, the board will make a decision on that economic developer “piece of the pie.
” “Congratulations Mr. O’Keefe. The board is very excited for you,” said Brennick.
The entire Select Board served as the search committee for the town manager. Selectman Frank DiConzo said there were six applicants for the position. “The board whittled it down to three and gave three interviews.
Of the three i.