Swansea Town Administrator Named New Dedham Town Manager

Dedham has a new Town Manager.

The Dedham Board of Selectmen on Thursday night voted unanimously to appoint Jim Kern, currently the Town Administrator for Swansea, as Dedham’s new Town Manager, according to a news release Friday.

Kern will be the first to hold the position under the title of Town Manager; the title was changed last spring after Dedham voters approved several revisions to the town charter. Bill Keegan previously served in the role as Town Administrator before leaving last Spring after accepting the Town Manager position in Foxborough.

Nancy Baker, who served as Assistant Town Manager under Keegan, has held the role of Interim Town Manager since he left the role in April, and will resume her duties as Assistant Town Manager as Kern takes his role.

“From our AAA bond rating to new schools to investments in our roads, and our future new municipal campus, Dedham continues to be an attractive community to live, bring up a family and build your business,” Dedham Selectmen Chair Jim MacDonald said in a statement Friday. “Jim Kern brings an incredible depth of experience to Dedham, and I look forward to working with him as our first town manager.”

More than 30 candidates expressed interest in the position, according to Friday’s announcement, and Kern was one of three finalists vying for the role, alongside Robert Nunes, former Mayor of Taunton, and Steve Bartha, Assistant Town Manager in Avon, Connecticut.

Kern served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy from 1985 until 1992, and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a BS in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island.

In Swansea, Kern managed a $38 million annual budget and helped reduce deficits in town, as well as oversaw the purchase of a former Fall River Diocese church to convert it into a 12,000 square-foot senior/community center. He also oversaw the replacement of an obsolete 4,000 square foot police station in Swansea and the construction of an 18,000 square foot new police station.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to work with the dedicated staff, residents and business community in Dedham,” Kern said in a statement. “I want to thank the Board of Selectmen for their confidence. Dedham is a community on the move, and I look forward to being apart of it.”

In the role of Town Manager, Kern will serve as the Chief Administrative Officer for Dedham, overseeing the administration of town affairs and supervising local departments that are placed in his charge. He’ll also manage all policies, programs and procedures that have been adopted or endorsed by the Board of Selectmen and by Town Meeting; he’ll serve under the general direction of the Dedham Board of Selectmen pursuant to the Dedham Town Charter.

“Jim is the perfect candidate for Dedham, as our town continues to grow,” Selectmen Vice Chair Carmen Dello Iacono said in a statement.

Added Dedham Selectman Dennis J. Guilfoyle, “It is a very exciting time for Dedham, as residents, government and businesses continue to invest in this community. I look forward to working with Him in this new chapter in Dedham’s history.”

The rest of the Board of Selectmen were in agreement over the choice of Kern to fill the role.

“Jim’s experience in city and town government makes him well-suited to lead Dedham forward, and I am excited for what the future holds,” Selectmen Mike Butler said.

Said Selectmen Dennis J. Teehan, “Jim has a history of sound fiscal decisions and wise investment in infrastructure. We are all eager to see how he applies his skills in Dedham.”