New DPW superintendent for Lenox

LENOX – Sean Van Deusen has been selected as the new superintendent of the town’s Department of Public Works (DPW).

The Lenox Board of Selectmen approved Superintendent Van Deusen’s hiring at its Jan. 9 meeting, the culmination of a months-long search.

The process began last year when former DPW Superintendent Jeff Vincent decided to move into the newly-created position of capital projects manager.

In this position, Mr. Vincent is charged with overseeing Lenox’s capital projects at every stage of their development. Until Superintendent Van Deusen’s appointment, Mr. Vincent had stayed on as DPW superintendent, a position he’s held for the last 17 years.

At the meeting where his hiring was approved, Superintendent Van Deusen was strongly praised as a candidate.

“We think we’ve come up with a great young person to take over in Jeff’s footsteps,” said Selectman John McNinch, who interviewed candidates for the position along with Town Manager Gregory Federspiel and Selectman Edward P. Lane.

It was noted the town had gone through two cycles of interviews, and considered eight candidates, before arriving at this decision.

“We always seemed to go back to him,” said Selectman Lane, noting Superintendent Van Deusen was the first candidate interviewed.

Prior to accepting the position as Lenox’s DPW Superintendent, Superintendent Van Deusen served as the head of the Town of Mount Washington’s Highway and Conservation Commission.

The selectmen also noted the advantage of having former Superintendent Vincent in a position to help Superintendent Van Deusen acclimate to the job.

“It’s a great opportunity for Jeff to mentor someone whose coming on,” said Town Manager Federspiel.

Mr. Vincent, who also participated in the interviewing process, apparently has a good view of Superintendent Van Deusen as well.

“Jeff said he was reminded of his younger self,” said Selectman McNinch.

Superintendent Van Deusen’s employment begins with a six-month probationary period, which is standard for town employees.

“We’ll never get another Jeff, but to get someone who’s similar to Jeff would be great,” said Selectman McNinch.

Posted by Bera B. Dunau on January 17, 2013. Filed under Community News,News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry