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Photo courtesy of Connor Read. Easton Town Administrator Connor Read has been offered the position of town administrator for Westwood, MA.
11-16-2025 10:57pm
Westwood Select Board Chooses Connor Read as Next Town Administrator
Darlene Cancell
Editor
Westwood Select Board will extend a contract offer to Easton Town Administrator Connor Read to become Westwood’s next town administrator, following a remotely held vote and discussion on Sunday evening, November 16, during which board members identified Mr. Read as their top choice from among three final candidates brought forth by a screening committee.
Select Board Clerk Joseph Previtera stated, “I found him to be very knowledgeable, thoughtful, sincere, empathetic . . . I just can’t find enough superlatives. He’s just an excellent candidate and I'm looking forward to working with him.”
Board member Marianne Cummings observed that Mr. Read’s experience as town administrator in Easton would be valuable. "He brings an energy that I think will be very welcome here in Westwood,” she said.
Select Board Chair Robert Gotti concurred with Mr. Previtera and Ms. Cummings and noted that Mr. Read’s interviews were “spectacular,” and demonstrated that he would be an excellent fit for the Town of Westwood.
"This was also a victory for the Town of Westwood,” said Westwood Select Board Chair Robert Gotti, stating that the town had received almost 30 applications. “I mean, when you listen to the candidates talk about the long list of reasons why Westwood is the town to be both admired and emulated, it should make everyone proud,” he said.
Brian Golden, a second finalist, withdrew his name from consideration and will be serving on Newton’s City Council, said Mr. Gotti. Mr. Golden ran as an uncontested candidate for reelection as councilor-at-large for Newton’s Ward 7.
Mr. Gotti complimented a third finalist, Joseph Powers, for possessing both elected and appointed municipal experience. Without providing specifics, Mr. Gotti referenced what he called Mr. Powers's integrity for acknowledging a situation that should have been handled differently.
Select Board unanimously voted to authorize Town Counsel Pat Ahearn and Interim Town Administrator Molly Fitzpatrick to begin contract negotiations with Mr. Read.
Mr. Read, who was given an opportunity to speak following Select Board’s decision, said, “Thank you for putting your trust in me. I’m very excited by this opportunity and I look forward to joining the team and working with Deputy Administrator Fitzpatrick and the amazing folks you have in Westwood to do a great job for the people of Westwood.”
Updated 11/17/2025 at 10:40 p.m.
