LEWISTON — An interim administration team was sworn in Wednesday morning at City Hall, marking a transition for city officials following the resignations of Lewiston’s top two administrators.
While the City Council will begin considering applications for the city administrator post in mid-August, Mayor Mark Cayer said the city has “not lost a step” in its economic development goals or overall operations.
“The roadmap for this current council was laid out before this change occurred,” he said Wednesday. “We really haven’t lost a step.”
Finance Director Heather Hunter was sworn in as interim city administrator Wednesday morning. Police Chief Brian O’Malley was tapped to step in as the interim deputy city administrator.
In an earlier news release, Cayer said, “Lewiston continues to be in good hands with the leadership of Heather and Brian. Both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, and I’m confident that municipal operations will continue to run smoothly. As changes occur, new opportunities arise, and this new team is ready to lead us in our continued commitment to growth and development.”
Cayer said the priorities of city officials haven’t changed despite the unexpected departures of former City Administrator Denis D’Auteuil and Deputy City Administrator Dale Doughty.
“The council, over the last year and a half, worked really hard to come up with updated goals and plans for several (city) departments, every one of them connected to economic development,” he said. “We’re still very focused on that.”
According to the press release, the city administrator’s position has been posted since June 16, with an application deadline of Aug. 17.
The interim team will remain in effect until the city “decides upon permanent replacements,” it states.
Cayer said once applications are in, he and the council will look over the applicants. He said he expects O’Malley to assist in the process, because he will not be applying for the permanent position. Cayer noted he did not know if Hunter planned to apply.
Also sworn in Wednesday morning were Assistant Finance Director Ralph Lenfestey, who became interim Finance Director, and Lewiston Police Lt. David St. Pierre, sworn in as interim police chief.
Cayer said the city was “fortunate to put in a team that understands our community’s needs.”
According to the news release, Hunter has been with the city since 1989, serving as deputy city auditor, deputy finance director, then finance director.
She also served as an instructor at Central Maine Community College from 1991 through May 2020.
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