Just before the end of 2024, the Londonderry Town Council held a non-public meeting regarding open positions in Town, specifically the vacant Town Manager position.
According to draft minutes, posted on the Town’s website, the meeting took place on Dec. 27, with Human Resources Director Tara Koza, Attorney Liz Bailey, and former Londonderry Police Chief, and current United States Marshal William Hart present, along with members of the Town Council.
“The members met with Mr. Hart to discuss employment opportunities,” the draft minutes stated.” Hart shared information regarding his background during his employment with the Town of Londonderry as well as his current position as a U.S. Marshal.
The Council discussed Hart’s qualifications. Subject matter included:
- Hart’s understanding of the Town Manager role.
- How to best work with department heads.
- His previous time spent as the Acting Town Manager.
Londonderry is currently without a permanent Town Manager after Mike Malaguti resigned in November. In December, Recreation Director Art Psaledas was named Acting Town Manager for up to 120 days.
Also according to the draft minutes, “The Council gave Hart the opportunity to ask questions of them.”
“Questions were posed on the following subjects:
- What the Council sees as the biggest issues faced for the Town Council in terms of the Town Manager role at this time.
- The timing of the current Acting Town Manager’s term.
- The Council discussed the importance of establishing the Town’s reputation within the state.
- The Council also highlighted the issues of responsible growth and development, housing and traffic management.”
According to the U.S Marshals Service website, Hart began his career as a prosecutor with the Londonderry Police Department, before being elected County Attorney for Rockingham County in 1994 serving two terms.
In 2000 he went back to Londonderry serving as Services Captain until 2009 before becoming police chief after Joe Ryan retired. Hart served as chief until August, 2022, when he retired.
“Marshal Hart also served as a District Court prosecutor on a part time basis for several New Hampshire communities over the years including Stratham Police Department, Kensington Police Department, Deerfield Police Department, and the Nottingham Police Department,” Hart’s biography states. “Marshal Hart also served as vice chairman for the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council and as a Trustee for the New Hampshire Retirement System.”
Hart served in the duel roles of Interim Town Manager and Police Chief for Londonderry after the sudden departure of Dave Caron and before Kevin Smith was hired. At the time, Caron cited personal reasons, but later became the Town Administrator in Derry.
On Tuesday, Jan. 7, the Town Manager job position was posted. It states that the job will pay between $150,000 to $180,000.