PARIS — Bill Guindon of Brunswick said he was excited to begin his duties as the new interim town manager earlier this week as the search continues for a permanent administrator.

Guindon began work on Tuesday, June 21.

Former Interim Town Manager Sawin Millett’s last official day was Saturday, June 18. With the farming season in full swing, Millett headed back to his Waterford farm to take care of his agricultural responsibilities.

Selectmen held an executive session Thursday, June 16, to interview Guindon. They hired him that night.

“I’m glad we have an experienced manager to take us through the short term as our search continues for a permanent replacement,” Selectmen Chairman Mike Risica said in an email. “Bill was referred to the town through (Maine Municipal Association). He brings extensive public sector experience and knowledge.”

“I am excited at the opportunity that I am able to serve in the position,” Guindon said. “I am just getting my feet wet today, a lot of listening, a lot of questions. Sawin has big shoes to fill. He did a good job and I can build on that.”

He said Millett has left him some guidelines to help get him situated in Paris, and the two plan to meet soon.

Guindon served as the director of the Maine Fire Service Institute from 2010-15, which is what brought him to Maine six years ago, he said. Between Maine, Oregon and Colorado, he spent more than 30 years in the private sector, according to a news release. He has also served as a firefighter, Maine’s Firefighter Training and Certification program director, fire chief and interim city manager in Burns, Ore., where a lengthy armed standoff on a national wildlife refuge made national headlines.

“It was a nice place to be … and a good experience, but I am glad I am not there anymore after what’s been going on there the past few years,” Guindon said. “It was time to move on.”

He is a member of the Brunswick Personnel Board, serves with the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation and is a regional advocate for Everyone Goes Home, the release said.

Guindon has a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Colorado Christian University, a master’s degree in public administration from Anna Maria College and certificate in human resources from Penn Foster Career School.

Guindon and his wife, Pamela, have three children, according to the release.

The search for a new town manager began in December 2015 when then-Town Manager Amy Bernard left to become Newry’s town administrator.

Selectmen hired Millett the same month and have been searching ever since for a permanent manager. This is their third round of vetting candidates.

As of two weeks ago, they had offered a Virginia applicant the job. He accepted the position, then rescinded after his wife was given a career-changing opportunity there.

Risica said selectmen have a Skype interview and in-person interviews scheduled for two different finalists on Thursday, June 23.

eplace@sunmediagroup.net

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