Scott Lambiase will become Abington’s Acting Town Manager this Monday, May 4, with current Town Manager Rick LaFond remaining on through the week to help with the transition.
According to a copy of Lambiase’s contract obtained by the Abington News, the outgoing Director of Municipal Services for Duxbury will earn $132,000 as Abington’s next chief administrative officer.
Lambiase’s title includes “Acting” because under the town charter, Abington’s town manager must have a bachelor’s degree. Lambiase does not; he is scheduled to receive his degree this September. Once he finishes his degree, his title will change to Town Manager. Under the terms of the contract, selectmen may terminate Lambiase’s contract if he does not complete the degree within six months.
Richard Smith, who chaired the Town Manager Search Committee that recommended Lambiase along with three other finalists to selectmen, said his professional accomplishments made him stand out as a candidate. “He has a clear record of getting things done, he works collaboratively, and he understands the municipal budgeting process,” said Smith. “The search committee unanimously believed he would be a solid choice for town manager.”
Lambiase has worked for the Town of Duxbury since 2005. His portfolio of duties include serving as the town’s chief procurement officer. He has overseen multimillion dollar construction projects during his tenure, including major renovations to a town fire headquarters. Lambiase was also a selectman in Whitman from 2012 to 2019.
Although the initial vote on which candidate to hire was divided, selectmen ultimately voted unanimously to offer the town manager job to Lambiase.
“I like his qualifications,” said Selectman Jim Connolly. “I definitely thought he was the guy for the job.”
Selectmen made the contract announcement in a press release over the weekend after voting during the executive session portion of their meeting last Wednesday.
Lambiase and the board agreed to a three-year contract. He is eligible for annual pay raises of up to 2 percent if selectmen rate his performance outstanding or proficient.
LaFond, who has been town manager since 2013, was recently named Interim Town Manager in Carver. He previously served as Carver’s Town Administrator for 17 years before coming to Abington.
Selectmen announced last June they had been unable to agree on terms for a new contract with LaFond and that he would be leaving the post. LaFond’s original departure date was set for April 30 but both sides agreed to allow LaFond to stay on a few extra days to help with the transition.
[DISCLOSURE: The author of this article served on the Town Manager Search Committee.]
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