Bryan Kaenrath has been selected as Lewiston’s new city administrator. The current Waterville manager is expected to start in April. City of Lewiston

LEWISTON — The City Council has selected Bryan Kaenrath, the Waterville city manager and a former state legislator, as the new city administrator.

Kaenrath, 40, was chosen following a lengthy search that saw the council readvertise the position in October. By the time he begins the role in April, it will have been roughly a year since former Administrator Heather Hunter resigned.

According to a city news release, Kaenrath has more than a decade in public management experience and a lengthy record in economic development and community engagement.

Elected officials are hoping Kaenrath can bring a fresh vision and renewed enthusiasm to the role following a series of controversies that led to the vacancy, and pressing issues like the local economy.

“After a rigorous national search, we’re confident that Bryan’s leadership style and expertise will align perfectly with Lewiston’s aspirations,” Mayor Carl Sheline said. “He has the skills and vision to help our community to continue to thrive and grow.”

Council President David Chittim said Kaenrath’s “innovative approach and proven ability to deliver results make him the ideal choice to lead Lewiston’s continued growth.”

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“His breadth and depth of experience as a municipal leader and with community development projects will bring a dynamic approach to city administration,” he said.

In a statement, Kaenrath said he wants Lewiston officials to “think big, dream big and get big results.” He said that includes a strong focus on economic development, downtown revitalization and programming, public safety, a rebranding and marketing campaign and public outreach and engagement.

“Lewiston is a remarkable community with a unique mix of history, diversity and opportunity and I’m honored to be part of leading the city forward and having a positive impact for residents and local businesses,” he said. “As we begin this new chapter, I am looking forward to working with our staff, elected officials and community partners to advance our bold and ambitious goals.”

Prior to taking the manager job in Waterville in 2023, Kaenrath served as the Saco city administrator for nearly four years.

While Kaenrath was only at the helm in Waterville a short time, city officials in Lewiston said he has overseen “transformative initiatives” in Waterville that have strengthened the economy, expanded housing opportunities and enhanced municipal services.

While in Saco, Kaenrath oversaw renewed discussions between the city and the Army Corps of Engineers on an agreement to mitigate coastal erosion caused by the Saco River jetty. His municipal experience also includes tenures as town manager in North Hampton, New Hampshire, and Gouldsboro, Maine.

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“Throughout his career he has made it a top priority to increase public engagement, outreach and transparency,” the news release said. “He has consistently held public open office meetings, neighborhood meetings and other public opportunities for direct engagement, feedback and dialogue with members of the community to ensure their voices are heard.”

The city’s statement said there will be a number of similar sessions scheduled throughout Lewiston in the coming months.

The City Council will hold a formal vote to approve the appointment during a special meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday. If approved, Kaenrath’s starting salary will be $180,000.

Prior to the meeting, the city will host a public “meet and greet” with Kaenrath from 5-5:45 p.m. in Callahan Hall at the Lewiston Public Library.

Kaenrath grew up in northern New Jersey and spent family vacations in midcoast Maine. He graduated in 2006 from the University of Maine with a degree in political science, and served as a Democrat in the Maine House of Representatives from 2006-14, representing Portland and South Portland.

Brian O’Malley, who has been serving as acting city administrator since Hunter’s resignation, will remain as deputy city administrator.

Hunter resigned in the spring of 2024 following weeks of controversy stemming from a temporary closure of DaVinci’s Eatery, the departure of former Code Enforcement Director David Hediger, and concerns from staff and the public over the work environment at City Hall.

In late May 2024, the council signed a separation agreement with Hunter that paid her six months salary at $76,771. A subsequent report on a complaint made by Hunter upon her resignation shed new light on the internal conflict at City Hall.

In June, the City Council hired Don Gerrish, of Eaton Peabody Consulting, to lead a search for a new administrator. During an early public forum, residents said they want the new leader to be trustworthy, support city staff and provide a sense of urgency to solving Lewiston’s most pressing issues, including violence.

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