New Amherst Town Administrator Named

AMHERST, NH — Amherst has new municipal leadership. The Board of Selectmen this week named Dean Shankle to the top job of town administrator. Shankle replaces James O'Mara, who resigned in September to take a job in Massachusetts. Shankle previously served as Hooksett's town administrator.

"The Amherst Board feels that Dean can help us continue our upward trajectory," members said in a statement. "He pointed out that Amherst has been able to maintain the quaint New Hampshire small-town feel but has been able to combine that with amenities such as golf courses and a winery. Dean looks forward to helping us continue to balance our cultural resources, natural resources and economic development."

Before his tenure in Hooksett, Shankle served as town administrator in Merrimack, Epping and Hinsdale.

"This has given him a depth and breadth of experience with the laws, regulations and customs of New Hampshire as well as an understanding of what citizens expect from their local government," the board added. "This background will enable him to be productive from day one."

O'Mara served for seven years. The board "thanked Jim for his seven years of service to Amherst and for the strong team of department heads Jim has helped put in place and develop."

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