Former Southold Supervisor Russell Begins New Chapter In Southampton

SOUTHOLD, NY — Former Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell, who retired from his position recently after serving in Town Hall for 33 years, with 18 of those as town supervisor, will soon begin a new professional chapter in Southampton Village.

Southampton Village Mayor Bill Manger and the board of trustees voted unanimously Monday to pass a resolution accepting the resignation of Village Administrator Anthony Carter, effective September 30.

The resolution also stated that Mayor Manger and board agreed to appoint Russell to the village administrator position, at a salary of $35,000 for the period beginning Oct. 1 and ending December 31, with an annual salary of $185,000 commencing January 1, the resolution said.

Russell spoke to Patch about his new beginning: "I'm pleased to start a new chapter in my professional life. The position focuses very heavily on the administrative side of public service. Personnel, budgetary matters, and the general needs of the residents are very much an extension of my role as town supervisor. Several people were interviewed and it's an honor to come out on top. I will now focus on earning the faith that the village board has shown in me."

The mayor said he and the entire board believe Russell was the perfect choice. "Scott Russell has the necessary skills and experience for the position of village administrator," Manger said. "His duties and responsibilities in Southold are similar to what he will be responsible for in Southampton Village, including oversight of all village departments."

He added: "Scott has a proven track record of successfully managing a local government on the East End of Long Island and will be an asset to the Village of Southampton."

Russell said he's looking forward to assuming his new role on the new canvas, as well as the "comfort in moving into a new job with challenges similar to Southold yet, with new scenery," he said. "I had retired from the supervisor's position, not the workforce."

Russell said he has met with the village trustees and looks forward to working with them. "They are diverse, engaged, and clearly have a deep regard for the village. It will be my job to help them, as best I can, as they implement their vision."

At Russell's good-bye gathering in December, a steady stream of longtime colleagues and friends, residents and loved ones— from all sides of the political aisle — took the mic and lauded Russell for a veritable lifetime of tireless hard work, dedication, and accomplishments.

At the time, Russell thanked the crowd. "You don't really retire from something. You retire to something. I'm going to retire to a new chapter in my life."