Rochester town administrator meets, greets at welcoming party

ROCHESTER — On Friday, Sept. 6, Cameron Durant finished up his last day as the human resources director of Fairhaven. By the evening of Thursday, Sept. 12, he had already “hit the ground running as Rochester’s new town administrator according to Select Board member Adam Murphy.

Town officials and residents gathered that night at the Rochester Senior Center for a welcoming party and meet and greet for Durant, who officially started his new role on Monday, Sept. 9.

“I was really surprised by this,” said Durant. “It is incredibly generous.”

Durant had received a tip from a former colleague that a gathering could be thrown for him, but he “did not realize how big of a party it was going to be.”

Sandwiches, cheese and crackers, soda and other refreshments were up for grabs as Durant made his way around the room meeting new people.

On Aug. 12, Durant was chosen to fill the role of town administrator after interviewing with the Select Board. Suzanne Szyndlar had served as the interim town administrator since May 13, when Glenn Cannon officially resigned.

Murphy addressed the room, thanking the town administrator search committee for “bringing us a great candidate.”

“We’re pleased to have Cameron on board,” said Murphy.

“This is a really warm welcome,” said Durant. “My first week has been awesome.”

Those in attendance at the gathering included Durant’s wife and two children, Police Chief Michael Assad, Marion town administrator Geoff Gorman and Marion Select Board member Randy Parker.

“Everyone knows the local communities work together on a day-to-day basis and without their collaboration we wouldn't be as successful as we've been,” said Murphy.

Durant said he received a tour of the town from “a couple of department heads” on Thursday and has gotten to know Police Chief Michael Assad over recent weeks.

“The Select Board has been so generous with their time and very welcoming,” said Durant.