Nate Rudy, a former Gardiner city official and executive director of Waterville Creates!, has signed a three-year contract to become Hallowell city manager.
Rudy, 40, currently runs a nonprofit organization promoting, supporting and growing the arts and culture scene in greater Waterville.
“Hallowell is one of the great cities in Maine, and it is a privilege and honor to be chosen by the council,” Rudy said. “I am eager to get started on what will be several years of engaging work on the Water Street project, the Stevens School development and helping preserve and grow everything that’s great about being a Hallowell citizen.”
Rudy will be the fourth person to hold the city manager’s position in the last eight months. Michael Starns retired from the job and was replaced by Stefan Pakulski last October. Pakulski, who spent 12 years as Readfield’s manager, died unexpectedly March 5, and Code Enforcement Officer Maureen AuCoin has served as interim city manager since Pakulski’s death.
AuCoin applied for the permanent position, but was not given a second interview. She informed the city that she would be leaving her post as code enforcement officer in the next several weeks, Mayor Mark Walker said.
Waterville Creates! said in a news release Wednesday that Rudy resigned Tuesday. Larry Sterrs, the organization’s board chair, said the group is seeking innovative leadership as it launches new programs focusing on the organization’s role in efforts to revitalize downtown Waterville.
“We intend to fully engage with the many opportunities and challenges ahead,” Sterrs said in the release. “Waterville is evolving rapidly, and we recognize the role we play in that process. We will be along for more than the ride.”
Rudy came to Waterville after serving as the director of economic and community development in Gardiner for three and a half years. He is originally from Virginia and has a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and engineering from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in business administration from Thomas College. He and his wife, Adrian Blevins, an associate professor of English at Colby College, live in Winthrop with 17-year-old daughter August.
Rudy will begin working in Hallowell on June 14, the day after the City Council is expected to officially approve his hiring.
During his time at the Waterville organization, Rudy laid the groundwork for many signature achievements including receiving a $1.5 million grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation to support marketing and programming efforts at Waterville Creates!.
“We appreciate Nate’s hard work in bringing Waterville Creates! to where we are today,” Sterrs said. “As we move to the next level, we’ll be able to build on this solid foundation.”
Hallowell Councilor Kate DuFour, head of the personnel committee, said the city had 16 applicants for the position. A five-member search committee chose six candidates for interviews, and Rudy was the only one to receive a second interview, which was held during an executive session at Monday’s council meeting.
Jason Pafundi — 621-5663
Twitter: @jasonpafundiKJ
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