SUSAN MISTRETTA New treasurer/collector

 

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The town has a new treasurer/collector.

The Select Board recently voted to appoint former Dover, New Hampshire City Clerk/Tax Collector Susan Mistretta as the town’s new treasurer/collector.

Mistretta, who succeeds former Treasurer/Collector Leslie Davidson, began her tenure on Monday. Davidson resigned in June after accepting the town treasurer/tax collector position in Belmont.

Town Administrator Rob Dolan said Mistretta was one of five candidates who were interviewed for the treasurer/collector job. Dolan, Assistant Town Administrator Bob Curtin and Town Accountant/Assistant Finance Director Julie McCarthy interviewed the five candidates.

“Susan stood out due to her versatility working in a town hall and her over 20 years of direct experience,” said Dolan.

Mistretta worked as Dover, New Hampshire’s city clerk/tax collector from 2019 through last week. She previously served as Dover’s deputy city clerk from 2006-2018. She worked as Lee, New Hampshire’s town clerk/tax collector from 2003-2005.

“In New Hampshire, the tax collector is often the city or town clerk,” said Dolan. “In Dover, Susan had nine employees working underneath her. She is a strong manager.”

Dolan recalled that Mistretta and her husband are moving back to Massachusetts after previously living in Lee, New Hampshire.

“Susan has incredible qualifications for this job,” said Dolan. “But because we have a lean department, she can offer assistance to our new town clerk. We have to be versatile in the building and she has so much experience. Susan has a very positive attitude, has worked in banks and customer service is her forte.”

Dolan also recalled that Mistretta is originally from the Bay State.

“Susan raised her family in Peabody, and she is a native of Massachusetts,” said Dolan. “She told us that even though she lived in Peabody, she always brought her children to the Lynnfield parks because they are so nice.”

Mistretta said she is looking forward to serving as Lynnfield’s next town treasurer/collector.

“I am very excited about coming here,” said Mistretta. “I applied as soon as I saw the job posted. My daughter lives in Worcester, so I am going to be a little bit closer to her. I am very, very excited.”

Mistretta said she is familiar with the Select Board’s responsibilities due to her experience working with other municipal boards such as the Dover City Council.

“The council has nine members,” said Mistretta. “I was the council liaison and I did all of their proclamations and covered all of their meetings. It’s commendable that all of you are willing to do this.”

Select Board Chairman Joe Connell expressed his support for appointing Mistretta as the town’s next treasurer/collector.

“Your resume speaks for itself,” said Connell. “The glowing remarks from Rob are well-deserved. I can’t thank you enough for applying for the job.”

Select Board member Dick Dalton agreed.

“I have complete confidence in Rob and his team in the interview process,” said Dalton. “It sounds like they were very impressed and rightfully so.”

Select Board member Phil Crawford said he was pleased that Mistretta will be joining the staff at Town Hall.

“We are very fortunate that you and your husband are moving back this way,” said Crawford.  “Your timing is perfect. I think you are an excellent candidate for this position. Welcome aboard.”

After the discussion, the Select Board unanimously voted to appoint Mistretta as town treasurer/collector.

“Congratulations,” said Connell.

Mistretta thanked the Select Board for appointing her to the treasurer/collector position.