Town Manager Appoints James Duane as Assistant Town Manager

The following is a press release from the Town of Framingham:

Framingham Town Manager Robert Halpin announced Tuesday the selection of Framingham’s Director of Parks and Recreation, James Duane as his new Assistant Town Manager.

Duane replaces Jennifer Thompson, who left the position in August to become Town Administrator in Plainville.

Duane had been promoted to the Director of Parks and Recreation in March 2014 having served in a variety of management positions in the Division including Construction Supervisor, Division Operations Manager, and Deputy Director spanning the period of 2003 to 2014.

“In the time that Jim Duane has served as a Division Director here in Framingham, I have developed an extremely high regard for his organizational skills and in particular, his project management skills and the ability to keep things moving. I am very pleased that his strong interest in broadening his experience in local government management coincides with my need for a very strong person with exactly those skills to help me in the management of the Town,” said Framingham Town Manager Bob Halpin.

Duane possesses a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Framingham State University and has a portfolio of management and professional development courses that he has pursued while working for the Town of Framingham. He and his family have deep roots in the Framingham community.

“The senior management team approach that has been created here in Framingham is accomplishing great things. I view this as an opportunity to continue working closely with Bob Halpin, the Board of Selectmen, and the rest of the very talented Senior Management Team to continue that momentum and keep Framingham moving forward,” stated Duane.

Among his accomplishments as Director of Parks and Recreation are the advancement of the $5.6 million renovation of the 50 year-old Loring Arena approved by last spring’s Annual Town Meeting; successful completion of the Children’s Grove improvement at Cushing Memorial Park, including ensuring the full $400,000 reimbursement of a portion of the project from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; oversight and administration of the environmental assessments and proposed remediation effort at the Mary Dennison Park; community and neighborhood outreach in planning upcoming stages of the public aqueduct trail system.

“If you look at the projects Jim has successfully managed and the discipline he exhibits in moving them forward, you cannot help but be impressed. This focus and disciplined management ability is going to be a tremendous asset in the Town Manager’s office and across the town’s Senior Management Team,” concluded Halpin.