The town office has a new receptionist at the front desk after the retirement of Linda Strickland. Denise Perry, of Harpswell, will staff the desk as part of her duties as a full-time “multi-office assistant.”
In addition to Perry’s work at the front desk, she will serve as an assistant to Assessing Agent Debora Turner. Strickland’s responsibilities for general assistance and heating assistance will go to the Recreation Department, which the town plans to rename the Department of Recreation and Community Services.
Town Administrator Kristi Eiane said in a memo that an interview team selected Perry from a strong field of seven candidates, of which the team interviewed four.
“Ultimately, the team found Ms. Perry to have the skill set, flexibility and knowledge of Harpswell that will enable her to quickly become an effective part of the Town’s staff,” Eiane wrote in the memo to the Board of Selectmen. Perry has worked for Bowdoin College and, more recently, as director of outreach and education for Harpswell’s Elijah Kellogg Church.
The select board approved the hire April 28 and Perry started work April 29. Strickland retired at the end of April after 27 years with the town.
