South Orange may name an interim administrator to serve while trustees search for a replacement for John Gross, who has taken a position in West Orange, according to three village trustees.
Gross, who will continue serve part-time as the South Orange’s chief financial officer, has been hired as finance director and chief financial officer by the neighboring town. He has already begun training for his new job.
Serving on the search committee for a new village administrator are village President Alex Torpey and Trustees Deborah Davis Ford, Howard Levison and Nancy Gould. The board of trustees was notified of Gross’ decision on Aug. 15, according to Trustee Janine Bauer.
“I think the biggest challenge will be finding the right person quickly,” Trustee Michael Goldberg said in an email interview. “As a result, it is likely we will hire an interim administrator to ensure we are not rushed into the process.” Trustee Mark Rosner said in an email that he “would not be surprised if the search took six months or longer.”
Goldberg said he is confident that the village will be able to hire “an outstanding new administrator that will provide the highest level of service for the community.”
The trustees agreed that strong management experience was a must in a new administrator.
“I think the search committee should be looking for someone who is an outstanding personnel manager, a thoughtful and proactive problem solver, and someone who is responsive and communicative to the board and residents,” Goldberg said.
In an email, Bauer commented, “We haven’t established specific criteria other than certain certifications, including project management, and of course solid professional management, budget and supervisory experience.”
The trustees said they expect the impact of the transition to be minimal on the day-to-day operations of the village…(Continue Reading)
