AVON — -
Concluding a national search to replace Town Manager Philip Schenck, the town announced Tuesday that it has offered a conditional contract to Brandon Robertson, director of administrative services in Simsbury.
The offer to Robertson, which will be made official after a background check is finished, is considered a surprise because Avon conducted an extensive national search, attracting 29 applicants.
Schenck is retiring after 31 years as town manager. Under Schenck, Avon's population doubled to 18,000 and the town budget grew from $7.7 million in 1978 to $70.9 million today.
The second longest-serving town manager in Connecticut, Schenck is considered the dean of town management in the state, and the process of replacing him was closely followed. Town council Chairman John F. Carlson said that the council narrowed the candidate list to seven applicants whom they interviewed, and that the choice of Robertson was unanimous.
"It's a complete coincidence that the candidate we ended up selecting works right next door in Simsbury," said council member David Pena. "But he was the one who really stood out and he had all of the qualities we were looking for, including the ability to handle a complicated municipal budget."
Robertson, 34, moved from Farmington to Avon earlier this year. His wife, Erica, is the assistant town manager of Farmington.
As director of administrative services in Simsbury, Robertson worked directly under First Selectman Mary Glassman, helping coordinate budgets, human resource programs and managing the general operations of the town. Robertson spent eight years in that position and is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, where he completed his studies with a master's degree in public affairs.
Robertson said that his priorities in the new job, which he will begin in January, will be mastering the budget process in Avon and continuing to coordinate with neighboring Farmington Valley towns on regionalizing services. Schenck will stay on as a consultant for six months to facilitate Robertson's transition, and to work on the town budget and special projects.
"Phil Schenck has [left] big shoes to fill, but I'm happy for the opportunity to be challenged," Robertson said. "I'm going to jump right into the budget process in January and also start tackling issues like regionalization."
Carlson said that Robertson's salary as town manager, which will be based on experience, will not be formally voted on and made public until the council's regular meeting in November.
The offer to Robertson, which will be made official after a background check is finished, is considered a surprise because Avon conducted an extensive national search, attracting 29 applicants.
Schenck is retiring after 31 years as town manager. Under Schenck, Avon's population doubled to 18,000 and the town budget grew from $7.7 million in 1978 to $70.9 million today.
The second longest-serving town manager in Connecticut, Schenck is considered the dean of town management in the state, and the process of replacing him was closely followed. Town council Chairman John F. Carlson said that the council narrowed the candidate list to seven applicants whom they interviewed, and that the choice of Robertson was unanimous.
"It's a complete coincidence that the candidate we ended up selecting works right next door in Simsbury," said council member David Pena. "But he was the one who really stood out and he had all of the qualities we were looking for, including the ability to handle a complicated municipal budget."
Robertson, 34, moved from Farmington to Avon earlier this year. His wife, Erica, is the assistant town manager of Farmington.
As director of administrative services in Simsbury, Robertson worked directly under First Selectman Mary Glassman, helping coordinate budgets, human resource programs and managing the general operations of the town. Robertson spent eight years in that position and is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, where he completed his studies with a master's degree in public affairs.
Robertson said that his priorities in the new job, which he will begin in January, will be mastering the budget process in Avon and continuing to coordinate with neighboring Farmington Valley towns on regionalizing services. Schenck will stay on as a consultant for six months to facilitate Robertson's transition, and to work on the town budget and special projects.
"Phil Schenck has [left] big shoes to fill, but I'm happy for the opportunity to be challenged," Robertson said. "I'm going to jump right into the budget process in January and also start tackling issues like regionalization."
Carlson said that Robertson's salary as town manager, which will be based on experience, will not be formally voted on and made public until the council's regular meeting in November.