SOUTH DEERFIELD — After a few months with Christopher Dunne serving as the interm town administrator, the Selectboard stripped the temporary tag off his title and appointed Dunne to the permanent role last week.

The Selectboard voted on Nov. 14 to enter contact negotiations with Dunne, following two finalist interviews. Of the dozen candidates to apply for the position, Dunne and Alex Lent, the director of the Leominster Public Library, were the only two selected by the screening committee to move forward to finalist interviews.

Dunne joined Deerfield in 2023 to serve as the community’s first planning and economic development coordinator, following a year and a half as Blandford’s town administrator and stints in consulting in New York, as well as time working with state senators. He took over as interim town administrator in September after longtime Town Administrator Kayce Warren retired.

“We’re thrilled because he’s a great candidate,” said Selectboard Chair Tim Hilchey. “There’s no question that he’s done an amazing job.”

Alongside the work he’s done in Deerfield over the last year, which included picking up the reins on the Leary Lot project, as well as helping guide the 1888 Building project through Town Meeting, Dunne explained in his interview he has strong personal skills to go with his planning and administration abilities.

“I highly value civility and objectivity,” he said, adding he has the ability to “turn the temperature down in a room.” “I think there are plenty of instances in municipal government where that’s what you need.”

When asked by the Selectboard about his ability to manage people and projects, especially those on tight deadlines, he pointed to his work with the 1888 Building, which had funding approved by a huge majority of residents at October’s Special Town Meeting, and how he was able to work with numerous committees and departments around the town to help residents bring the project forward.

“I’m collaborative by nature and I think that’s helpful to have that demeanor and perspective in municipal government,” Dunne said. “I’m open and willing and happy to work with people to make sure everyone is included because, often, that’s the only way to get things done in this business.”

Following Dunne’s interview, all three Selectboard members — Hilchey, as well as Trevor McDaniel and Blake Gilmore — lauded the work he’s done throughout his time in Deerfield.

“There’s a calm feeling in the building and that’s a great thing,” Hilchey said, adding he’s heard great feedback from town employees about the work Dunne has done. “They know they have a person they can talk to and they’re going to be listened to. I have been very relaxed in the last two and a half months and I have to thank you for that.”

As negotiations continue, the town will also explore avenues to fill the planning and economic development coordinator position Dunne will be vacating.

“We fought a long time to get that position,” McDaniel said, referring to discussions that went on for years before the town finally created it in 2023. “We’ve had really good luck in town finding good people, so I think it’s important.”

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.