Shapleigh select board appoints new CEO, names interim rescue leaders and approves routine items

The Shapleigh select board approved a slate of personnel moves and routine items during its meeting, including the appointment of Brian Paul as the town’s new CEO and the naming of interim rescue leadership.

Michelle, the town administrative staff member, told the board Brian Paul was scheduled to start the following week and asked for board authorization to finalize his appointment. The board approved the appointment by voice vote ("Passes 3 0").

Why it matters: Leadership changes affect daily operations, emergency response and implementation of current projects. The board also approved other routine contracts and recognitions that shape town operations in the near term.

Board action and context
The board acted on several motions that were procedural but consequential for operations. Michelle secured authorization to sign a maintenance/blanket agreement (Ampeon) and to execute documents by DocuSign. She also presented a Spirit of America resolution and personnel items.

Several members praised staff who filled gaps during transitions. Michelle publicly thanked former interim help and staff for keeping systems running while the town completed the hiring process.

Votes at a glance
- Spirit of America award resolution: motion approved (voice vote recorded as "Passes 3 0").
- Ampeon maintenance agreement: motion approved; Michelle given permission to sign ("Passes 3 0").
- Appointment of Brian Paul as CEO of Shapleigh: motion approved ("Passes 3 0").
- Appointment of Myles Levis to Shapleigh Fire Department: motion approved ("Passes 3 0").
- EcoMaine board appointment (Dave O'Neil): motion approved ("Passes 3 0").
- Approval of employee evaluation and recommended salary increase for Maurice Hope: motion approved.
- Rescue chief resignation accepted; Tyler Huff appointed interim rescue chief and an interim assistant (Andrew) was appointed: both approved ("Passes 3 0").

What the board said
Michelle, presenting the CEO appointment, noted the candidate’s start date and requested formal approval so she could finalize onboarding. The Chair moved to appoint Brian Paul and the board voted to approve the motion.

Next steps
With the CEO appointment authorized, the town will complete onboarding. The interim rescue appointments will remain in place while the board and staff manage recruitment and paperwork for permanent fills.

Provenance: Topic discussion first introduced in SEG 516 and last discussed in SEG 529 (CEO); related interim rescue appointments appear SEG 1862–SEG 1890.