MMA members participate in career fairs to promote local government

A panel of local government employees last evening spoke to 35 Suffolk University undergraduate, graduate and alumni students about careers in local government, as an extension of the MMA’s ongoing efforts to help municipalities attract new employees.

The Careers in Municipal Government event was a partnership effort between Suffolk University and the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association’s Future Managers committee. It followed a similar panel discussion held at Bridgewater State University on March 15.

At the Suffolk event, held at the Suffolk Law School, Middleton Assistant Town Administrator and HR Director Jackie Bresnahan welcomed students and spoke about the importance and many benefits of working in local government. Maynard Assistant Town Administrator Megan Zammuto, who moderated the panel discussion, emphasized that there is an abundance of jobs available in local government. Both Bresnahan and Zammuto are Suffolk University MPA graduates.

Panelists were:
• Andover Assistant Town Manager Patrick Lawlor
• Needham Human Resources Director Chuck Murphy-Romboletti
• Brookline Health and Human Services Director Sigalle Reiss
• Dartmouth Development and Grants Director Cody Haddad
• Cambridge Police Superintendent Robert Lowe
• Brookline Assistant Town Administrator and Interim Finance Director Justin Casanova-Davis

The panelists spoke about their career paths and why they love their jobs. They said they enjoy having a direct impact on improving the lives of the residents in their communities.

Getting your foot in the door is the most important step, they said, as an increasing number of retirements are leading to quick promotions and job openings.

The Bridgewater State University event was introduced by Franklin Town Administrator and Future Managers co-chair Jamie Hellen and moderated by Brookline Administrative Services Director Devon Fields.

Panelists were:
• Franklin Human Resources Director Karen Bratt
• Dennis Finance Director Josee Cardinal Young
• Franklin Public Health Director Cathy Liberty
• Marion Town Administrator Jay McGrail
• Bridgewater Police Chief Chris DelMonte
• Randolph Public Health Commissioner Gerard Cody

The MMA has taken multiple steps to support cities and towns as they face a growing challenge — worsened by the pandemic — to fill a range of jobs, including in the areas of management, finance, information technology, and public works, as the result of retirements and a highly competitive job market. The MMA partners with Suffolk University to offer programs designed exclusively for municipal employees to further their careers in local government, and launched the MassTown Careers digital media campaign to raise awareness about the appeal of municipal jobs as a career choice for candidates of all ages.

The MMA is now partnering with various universities to talk to students about opportunities. In addition to the panel discussions, members of the Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources association have joined virtual seminars and job fairs.

Bridgewater State is now inviting municipalities to join its Virtual Job and Internship Fair on April 7 from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Click here to register.

Written by Candace Pierce, Director of Communications & Membership