New Board Member Approved For North Andover Housing Authority​

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — Adam Bagni's application to join the North Andover Housing Authority board was recently approved.

The following is a statement from Bagni on the appointment:

Adam Bagni was appointed to the board of the North Andover Housing Authority Monday, during a joint session of the Board of Commissioners and the town’s Select Board.

The combined boards voted 6-3 in favor of Bagni’s appointment, with the Select Board voting unanimously (5-0) in favor. Bagni, 39, replaces Max Butterbrodt who resigned in May after relocating to Seattle. Butterbrodt had been elected to a five-year term in 2021, which runs through March 2026.

“I’m extremely appreciative of the appointment, especially the unanimous support from the Select Board,” said Bagni. “I applied because we are in the midst of a statewide housing crisis, and it’s crucial to have dedicated members on local housing boards who are strong advocates for low- and moderate-income families.”

During his public interview, Bagni emphasized his extensive experience in corporate leadership, budget management, and communications—drawing on his background as both a former journalist and his current role as a corporate communications director. He also serves on the town’s Community Preservation Committee and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Administration & Affairs at Merrimack College.

“Mr. Bagni absolutely came here extremely well prepared and has a diverse set of skills,” said selectwoman Rosemary Smedile ahead of the vote.

Despite Bagni's appointment, three of the four current housing authority board members—Chair Tracey Watson, Vice Chair Stephen Long, and Treasurer Edward Capodilupo—voted in opposition, appearing to favor local attorney Albert Manzi III, another applicant.

Bagni stressed that there are “no hard feelings whatsoever” over the vote.

“Mr. Manzi is clearly an accomplished professional who, like me, was willing to give back to the community. It’s a good problem to have multiple candidates stepping up for these roles," he said. “These positions are important.”

Several board members echoed that sentiment.

“It’s great that we have two qualified candidates that are enthusiastic and want to serve our community, because that’s what we need,” said commissioner Marsha Finkelstein. “We need more of that.”

The joint meeting can be viewed online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD5PCkw1udc.