Day: January 15, 2020

Convince me otherwise…

Library Board and City of Gloucester to launch a national search for a replacement

At the January 8th meeting of the Library Board of Trustees Executive Committee, Deborah Kelsey, Library Director of the Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free LibrarY, announced her upcoming retirement. Ms. Kelsey expects to retire in late June to spend more time with family and explore personal pursuits.

High tide at Half Moon Beach last weekend was a shiny diamond in a grey winter season.

City of Gloucester Chief Administrative Officer

Announces Upcoming Retirement

The City’s Chief Administrative Officer has announced his retirement from the City effective early April 2020. James Destino advised Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken late last week of his intentions.

He plans to spend more time with family, especially his new grandson, and explore personal pursuits. His last day will be Friday, April 3.

Jim was appointed as CAO in January 2015. As CAO he has worked closely with the Mayor on the development of her vision and goals for the City during her tenure. Additionally he has been responsible for developing and supporting the City’s management team, providing supervision to all City departments and their budgets, developing City policies and programs, providing constituent services and bridging communications with the City Council, School Department and other agencies.

Mayor Romeo Theken said, “Jim has been a dedicated and highly effective leader. During the past five years, he has dealt with City matters in a transparent, professional and effective manner. He has been a huge part of some of the City’s most significant recent successes, restoring our financial standing and broadly improving municipal operations. Gloucester residents, City Council and City staff have benefited significantly from his knowledge, accessibility and management. He leaves the City of Gloucester in a very strong position and we sincerely thank him for his contributions and service.”

Destino said, “I am thankful to the Mayor for this opportunity. Together we have made a difference in this community. I am extremely proud to have been a part of the turnaround. I have had the opportunity to work with many outstanding staff and elected officials over the past five years who were and are committed to this community and our citizens. I’ve already begun working with the Mayor and City staff to make the transition as smooth as possible.”

Destino is an entrepreneur and public servant with more than 35 years of business, civic and administrative experience. A lifelong resident of Gloucester, he has served as a member of the City Council between 2000 and 2008, including two terms as City Council President. A certified parliamentarian, his public life has been defined by fiscal prudence and a commitment to civility in political service. During his years in political office, he served on the City Council’s Committee on Budget & Finance and worked on numerous policies and initiatives, including creation of annual training standards for members of City boards and commissions and the establishment of local ordinances regulating development of renewable energy facilities (wind turbines).

Mayor Romeo Theken said, “Our City leadership and staff are ready to keep things moving. While he will be missed, I’m confident that our City is in good hands and prepared for the future. It’s business as usual.”

Mayor Romeo Theken will begin planning the executive search for a new CAO soon. Currently she is working with Personnel to evaluate the job description and plan a recruitment strategy.