MATTAPOISETT — Michael Lorenco, the new town administrator, started his new job on March 16.

The Mattapoisett native came prepared to take on whatever comes his way, including coronavirus concerns. 

He said that “when you take a job, you understand that some days you are going to be tested,” and that his best strategy is to roll with it.

The Board of Selectmen voted Feb. 4 to offer him the town administrator position because of his fit with the town, positive references and financial experience.

Before taking this position, Lorenco served as the Assistant Town Administrator and Finance Director in Eastham. 

He was previously a Budget and Finance Manager in the business department of Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown where he worked under a former CFO for the city of Boston who piqued his interest in local politics.

Because he grew up in Mattapoisett, the town has a special meaning to him.

Lorenco said that “I’m not here to bring about massive changes,” but to continue the work of former Town Administrator Michael Gagne, who officially retired on March 13.

He will look to make physical improvements to the town, look into the town’s finances and carry out work on the bike path project that would give Mattapoisett a safe greenway all the way to the border of Marion. 

While he looks to accomplish all of this in his time as Town Administrator, Lorenco acknowledged the fact that coronavirus or “covid could put a wrench in some things” and that dealing with the virus now is important.