And Bedford's Next DPW Director Is...

For a guy who hates snow, you might expect that Roy Sorenson would have made his next job move a little more than 26 miles closer to the equator.

But his new gig will be a homecoming of sorts for Sorenson, who has been Nashua's Streets Superintendent for four years -- and he'll still have plenty of snow to manage as Bedford's new Director of Public Works.

"I'm excited. Obviously, it's a great opportunity for me and a really good fit," Sorenson said, one day after news of his resignation was announced during a budget workshop Monday night in Nashua.

"I grew up next to Bedford, I'm from Burlington, Mass., and ultimately my career goal has been to become a Public Works director," he said.

After rising to the top of a pool of 27 applicants, Sorenson, 41 of Salem, was hired to succeed long-term Bedford Public Works Director Rich Warrington.

His appointment was accepted by Bedford's Board of Selectmen on June 3, and Sorenson is expected to begin working here on July 1, according to Town Manager Rick Reed.

The job will include oversight of about 44 employees across several departments. He will earn about $118,000 annually. His projected salary for FY 2014 in Nashua would have been $89,441.                    

Before coming to Nashua, Sorenson spent one year as Operations Supervisor for the city of Melrose; five years as Highway Foreman for North Reading and two years as Park Foreman, in North Reading. 

Sorenson said he heard about the job opening in March and decided to throw his hat into the ring.

He has been in the thick of Nashua's downtown improvement project, and believes he's leaving the work in capable hands.

"I've been on it all last year and this year. The people involved have a good grasp of what's needed, and if necessary, they have the ability to bring in people that would know the answers. We did some of that last winter with the underground vaults," Sorenson said.

He also said he's just a phone call away.

"I expect to maintain a professional relationship with Nashua, and they can always call me," Sorenson said.

Mayor Donnalee Lozeau said it's a great opportunity for Sorenson, and she wishes him well.

"Roy has been a valuable member of our team. I congratulate him wholeheartedly on his new position and responsibilities as the new Director of Public Works for the Town of Bedford, Massachusetts.  I am pleased that his position with the city gave him additional hands-on experience to achieve his goal of becoming a Director," Lozeau said.

His last official day in Nashua is June 21, which gives him a little time to prepare for his new job, which starts July 1.

"I've really enjoyed my time in Nashua. I've learned quite a bit here. This was unique for me – I wasn't in a position where I was looking to get something else. When I heard about the Bedford job, I took a long look at it before throwing my hat in the ring," Sorenson said. 

He described the job he's leaving in Nashua as one of many challenges, something that will serve him well in his new job.

"One thing I can say I learned here is dealing with challenges head on, and problem solving –  being able to solve things and work through them. Public Works is really a management position. You  have to be able to manage personnel, and in Nashua, I had the largest department in public works – you can call it an advantage if you want – but it was challenging, and I like that," Sorenson said.