LEWISTON — Heather Hunter is to be sworn in Wednesday morning as interim city administrator, and according to city staff members, her first order of business will be to appoint police Chief Brian O’Malley as deputy city administrator.

Hunter, now the city’s finance director, was tapped to become interim city administrator following the resignations of City Administrator Denis D’Auteuil and Deputy City Administrator Dale Doughty.

D’Auteuil remains city administrator until the close of business Tuesday afternoon.

With the city’s top two administrators announcing resignations in quick succession, the city has been forced to consider interim roles until the City Council and staff members find permanent replacements.

City Clerk Kathy Montejo said O’Malley’s shift to City Hall does not mean he is done as chief.

“All of these changes are temporary and interim at this time,” Montejo said.

Mayor Mark Cayer said police Lt. David St. Pierre is expected to step in as interim police chief.

Hunter said Monday that when she was appointed as interim city administrator, she began putting together an “interim team,” which she said includes O’Malley, St. Pierre and Ralph Lenfestey as interim finance director. Lenfestey is now the assistant finance director.

Meanwhile, the city administrator’s position has been posted since June 16, Hunter said, with an application deadline of Aug. 17.

On Friday, an impromptu party was held at City Hall for D’Auteuil, complete with a cake featuring the city’s new logo.

A post on the city’s Facebook page thanked D’Auteuil for his “dedicated service to the city of Lewiston.”

“You will be missed,” it read.

Hunter said Monday the transition process has been smooth, mostly due to help from D’Auteuil and Doughty.

“That made it a little easier,” she said.

 

Comments are not available on this story.

« Previous

Maine hospitals and health care providers hesitate on staff vaccination mandate

Next »

Potvin says he will run for mayor of Lewiston