SLIDESHOW: Final Day For Framingham Assistant Town Manager

Friday is the final day of work for Framingham Assistant Town Manager Jen Thompson.

In June, Plainville Selectmen voted Monday night to offer Jennifer Thompson the position of Town Administrator. She will start later this month, and replace Joseph Fernandes, who is retiring after two decades with the town.

Framingham Town Manager Bob Halpin promoted Thompson to Assistant Town Manager in March 2013, from her position as director of capital finance and procurement for the Framingham Department of Public Works.

Last week, the Town of Framingham held a reception in her honor.

“The two years that Jennifer has been my Assistant Town Manager has been so amazing,” said Halpin, at the reception. He said he looks forward to working with her as a colleague.

Thompson said Halpin has been a “huge role model for her.” She said Halpin has taught her a “lot in a short amount of time. “

“Everything, he has taught me, I will take to Plainville,” she said.

“We are here with mixed emotions,” said Selectmen Chair Charlie Sisitsky to the crowd last week. “We are very sad to see her go. She has done so much for the Town of Framingham. Framingham has been very blessed to have Jen’

“All of the things she has done over the years for the fire department, DPW and Selectmen are unmatched. You can’t ask for a better town employee,” said Sisitsky.

“Charlie you have supported me since I was a young kid in public works,” said Thompson. “You saw something in me, before I saw it in myself. You really encouraged me to move up the ladder in Framingham, and I will never forget it.”

Thompson, except for short stint working for the Barnstable County Sheriff, has worked for the Town of Framingham since 1999. She started her career in Framingham working for the Framingham Fire Department and leaves Framingham with 16 years of service.

“I started at the bottom, and worked myself up to where I am,” said Thompson, in thanking the employees for attending her reception. ”You guys are all fantastic. I don’t think anyone realizes how hard you work. It has been my honor and my pleasure to work with you.”

“Jen is competent. She gets everything done, and always with a smile,” said Selectman Laurie Lee. “I’m really going to miss her.”

“Jen has been my go to person since I came on the Board (of Selectmen),” said Cheryl Tully Stoll. “She has been so helpful. Her background, and her knowledge, and her willingness to say yes to what ever it is, and get it done, no matter what it requires, has been so helpful.”

“I’m going to miss you so much,” added Stoll.

“Framingham has been very blessed to have Jen,” said Selectman Michael Bower.

“Jen and I have a special relationship when it comes to Team Framingham,” said Bower. The two community leaders worked together to set up the new lottery system for Boston Marathon bibs and to raise money for community organizations.

Thompson thanked the Board of Selectmen, whom she described as “amazing to work with.”

She said she is not sure Plainville’s Board can live up to the relationship she has with these 5 Selectmen in Framingham.

“Cheryl and Laurie, I just want to say as a woman you have been such role models for me, as leaders in the community,” said Thompson. “Thank you for providing something you probably didn’t even know you provided.”

State Rep. Chris Walsh read a proclamation for Thompson at the reception.

“Framingham has taught me so much,” said Thompson. ”I had some amazing mentors, including Peter Sellers.”

Selectmen again recognized Thompson at their Tuesday night meeting.

In reading a proclamation, Bower said Thompson “often works behind the scenes without recognition.” She “steps up to the plate when the situation warrants” and “get the job done.”

“We are going to miss you” said Sisitsky.

Halpin said Tuesday night he posted the Assistant Town Manager position internally.

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