AUBURN — After less than a year with the city, Assistant City Manager Denise Clavette announced this week she is leaving for a job in Saco.

Clavette on Thursday called the decision a “great opportunity to be professionally ‘close to home.'” She lives in Old Orchard Beach with her husband, Larry Mead, who is the town manager.

In Saco, she’s filling a new position of planning and development director, as Saco’s city planner prepares to retire.

Clavette was hired in Auburn in June 2017 after serving as Yarmouth’s first economic development director. Clavette had previously worked as executive director of the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce, and as business development manager for Brunswick from 2009 to 2013.

Clavette said she’s “looking forward to (being back) working directly with development activities, community and businesses.”

Her last day in Auburn is June 6.

A news release from the city late Thursday said Clavette is “embracing a new professional opportunity.”

City Manager Peter Crichton said the position will be advertised.

“The hiring process is extensive, but this is a vital role within our team,” he said. “We want to continue our forward momentum and we will be seeking a highly qualified candidate to help us achieve even greater heights.”

When Clavette was brought on last year, it capped a period of turnover in the Auburn manager’s office. Crichton was hired in March after a lengthy search for a new city manager, followed quickly by another search for the assistant city manager position vacated by Denis D’Auteuil.

During the transition, John Bubier was brought on as acting assistant city manager. Bubier is a former Biddeford city administrator, who had been working for Auburn under contract to develop this year’s budget.

 

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