VERNON — Shelly Walker officially started as the new full-time town administrator on Aug. 30. She replaces Wendy Harrison, who has served as part-time interim administrator since November.
The Selectboard voted to make the appointment at its Aug. 17 meeting.
Walker has served in her hometown of Winchester, N.H. as municipal administrator from 2013 to 2016, and previously as the town's executive assistant.
Earlier, she served as a classroom aide, computer classroom assistant, and software instructor in the Winchester school system. Since 2016, she has worked as a patient financial counselor at the Brattleboro Retreat.
She has earned an associate degree in paralegal studies from Newbury College in Brookline, Mass. and a certificate from the Antioch University's Graduate School of Leadership & Change in Keene.
Walker becomes the fifth person to hold the position since the beginning of 2020, when Michelle Pong resigned after serving nearly four years.
She was replaced by Thomas Guerino as interim administrator, who served until Maggie Tuck-Sauer was hired in July.
Tuck-Sauer resigned two months later in September, leading to another search for an interim administrator, which led to the appointment of Harrison.
“We look forward to working with Ms. Walker as she helps us navigate the changing world of municipal government,” Vernon Selectboard Chair Sandra Harris said in a news release. “Her town experience will be valuable as she steps into the role.”
“I've thoroughly enjoyed my time as the interim town administrator - most of all, getting to know the residents, learning the local history, and helping the town through this transition,” said Harrison. “I have no doubt that I'm leaving Vernon in good hands with Shelly.”
Walker can be reached at 802-257-0292, ext. 12 or [email protected].