Hadley selects Malloy as next town administrator

HADLEY — Amherst’s assistant director of planning and economic development is being tabbed as Hadley’s next town administrator.

In a unanimous vote during a virtual meeting early Tuesday afternoon, the Select Board named Nathaniel Malloy, of South Deerfield, to the position, less than a week after he completed a second interview.

“I think Nate will be a great town administrator,” said board member Jane Nevinsmith.

Malloy was one of three finalists brought forward by a search committee and consultant last spring, but the Select Board at the time paused the hiring of a town administrator due to worries about the preparation associated with the town’s first-ever Proposition 2½ tax-cap override vote, and looming budget challenges.

That left Police Chief Michael Mason in the role as temporary town administrator, a position he has held since previous Town Administrator Carolyn Brennan retired in September 2024.

Even though the town’s financial picture is not much changed, Mason told the Select Board recently he is ready to return full time to police chief duties, and that Hadley needs to have a full-time administrator dedicated to that work.

Nevinsmith said her only concern is having Malloy start before annual Town Meeting in May.

“Throwing someone brand new on the floor of a Town Meeting is not a good plan,” Nevinsmith said.

Though the date of Malloy’s start isn’t yet known, board member Molly Keegan said should Malloy be present at Town Meeting, she is confident that the board and Mason could answer questions from residents.

Board member David J. Fill II agreed with this idea, and observed the session could be good on-the-job training.

“As long as Mike is there to help answer the questions, and he has the rest of the board, it’s a good way to introduce him to the townspeople and to get him involved,” Fill said.

Malloy has worked for the Amherst planning department since 2008.

The hope is to have Malloy start as soon as he’s available. His hiring is also contingent on contract ratification. A full contract negotiation in executive session is expected later this month.

The position was advertised with a salary range of $115,000 to $150,000, depending on qualifications. Mason said the hiring can also be expedited since a background check was done on the finalists during the initial search last year.

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