Hopedale needs a town administrator – and very likely also an assistant – after a pair of recent resignations in the office.
Interim Town Administrator Michael Gallagher resigned on Monday, July 27, less than a month after taking the job. Assistant Town Administrator Kelly Grant submitted her resignation a day later. Her last day is Aug. 7.
The news comes in the wake of former Town Administrator Mitch Ruschitti's departure at the end of June to take the same position in Swansea. He had served Hopedale for three years.
Select Board Chair Glenda Hazard did not return a call seeking comment.
Hopedale town administrator sues two officials, alleging defamation
On Monday, Aug. 3, the board is meeting to interview two candidates for interim town administrator — Tim McInerney and David DeManche.
McInerney is a former Northborough town administrator. He served nearly a year, resigning in October 2024 for personal reasons. He is also a former town administrator in Grafton and Seekonk.
Candidate was 'removed' as Shrewsbury DPW director
More recently, McInerney was Shrewsbury’s Department of Public Works director. But he was “removed” from the position in June by Town Manager Kevin Mizikar after McInerney was found to have violated “workplace norms and standards,” according to the Telegram & Gazette. The incident cited occurred during an off-site comedy event.
McInerney had been Shrewsbury's DPW director for a year and nine months.
DeManche is a business and municipal consultant and former town administrator in Freetown. He has also served as interim town administrator in Dunstable, Mendon and Rutland.
Gallagher had been Hopedale's interim town administrator since July 6. However, during Hopedale’s July 27 Select Board meeting, Hazard read a resignation letter from Gallagher. He cited a “recent health issue that manifested for a family member” in the letter, causing him to step down.
“I am truly honored that you had faith in me to be your interim town administrator and feel terrible that I am unable to fulfill the duties necessary to move the town forward,” Gallagher wrote.
Assistant administrator was finalist for interim job
Grant, a former Bellingham Select Board member, submitted her resignation on Tuesday. She was among three finalists to be interim town administrator and interviewed for the job. But the Select Board chose Gallagher, a North Attleborough former town administrator who had previously served as interim administrator in several communities including Northborough.
Grant said not being chosen interim town administrator was a factor in her decision to leave.
Northborough town administrator resigns after less than a year on the job
“I don’t think it would have come as a surprise to anyone after not getting that position,” Grant, who was hired as assistant town administrator in January 2025, told the Daily News. “The opportunity for growth within the town of Hopedale had hit its end point for me. That’s completely up to the board’s discretion to choose the best candidate for the position.”
Grant said she has accepted a position in another community but declined to say what it was.
Earlier this year, Ruscitti filed a lawsuit in Worcester Superior Court against Hazard and Water & Sewer Commissioner Ed Burt. The lawsuit alleges defamation, slander, intentional infliction of emotional distress and intentional interference with contractual relationships. He is seeking $500,000.
At the Aug. 3 Select Board meeting, members will discuss coming up with a job description for the town administrator position.
Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or [email protected]. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerJournalist.