Lewiston’s new city administrator, Bryan Kaenrath, meets the public Feb. 6 at a reception at the Lewiston Public Library. Kaenrath has said he intends to shake up the status quo and address the city’s issues head on. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal file

LEWISTON — Incoming City Administrator Bryan Kaenrath will host three meet-and-greets leading up to his official start in May, city officials announced this week.

They will be held March 27, April 29 and April 30 as Kaenrath prepares to take the helm in Maine’s second-largest city.

He was hired by the City Council on Feb. 6 and has served as the city manager in Waterville since 2023.

During an initial meet-and-greet with the public prior to his hiring, Kaenrath said among his top priorities will be economic development, public safety and downtown revitalization.

Officials have also touted Kaenrath’s focus on community engagement and transparency. Mayor Carl Sheline said Kaenrath’s ability to connect with people through neighborhood meetings and open office hours “set him apart” from other candidates.

A news release about the events said Kaenrath is “expanding opportunities for residents to share their ideas on Lewiston’s future” through the public discussions.

“Residents are encouraged to attend, share thoughts, and help shape our city’s next chapter,” the statement said.

The meetings are scheduled for 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at the Chick-A-Dee of Lewiston, 1472 Lisbon St.; 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, at Community Credit Union, 144 Pine St.; and 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, at Tree Street Youth, 144 Howe St.

“I appreciate our incoming administrator’s commitment to getting to know Lewistonians and what matters to them,” Sheline said Friday. “These listening sessions are an important part of the onboarding process and I hope we have a robust turnout.”

Kaenrath, 40, was chosen by the council following a lengthy search led by Don Gerrish of Eaton Peabody Consulting. Kaenrath will receive an initial salary of $180,000.

Kaenrath, who has managed a number of municipalities, including Saco, 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 Heather Hunter’s resignation in the spring 2024, will remain as deputy city administrator.