Town Administrator Candidate: Kevin O'Donnell

Kevin O'Donnell, the current Town Manager in Great Barrington, Mass., is one of the four finalists for Town Administrator that interviewed with the Board of Selectmen on Monday, February 25.

"This is what I've done my entire career," O'Donnell said of his 38 years in town administration.

O'Donnell has been in his current post since 2008 and his contract will expire in April. O'Donnell explained that his contract was not renewed after two election cycles replaced four of the five members on the board. He stated that his termination was the result of a "communication issue."

In Great Barrington, O'Donnell lists negotiating union health plans and earning the state "Green Community" designation as significant accomplishments.

During his interview, O'Donnell put a great emphasis on strategic planning, both at the Selectmen and department levels.

Since 1976, O'Donnell has worked in public administration. The Ball State University and DePaul University graduate has managed towns in five states including, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Vermont, Illinois and Florida.