Brookline Town Administrator Mel Kleckner To Step Down Next Year

BROOKLINE, MA — Brookline Town Administrator Mel Kleckner plans to step down next year after what will be 12 years in his position.

Kleckner said in an email that he does not intend to renew his fourth three-year contract that expires on September 14, 2022 and has notified the Select Board of his decision.

Prior to his time in Brookline, Kleckner spent nearly 30 years in top municipal positions across Massachusetts, serving as town administrator or manager in Welbraham, Belmont, and Winchester and assistant town manager in Arlington. He took over for former Brookline Town Administrator Richard Kelliher, who served for 15 years before retiring in July, 2010.

In Brookline, the town administrator is appointed by the Select Board, who also recommend and recruit candidates for the position. Prior to stepping down, the town administrator and Select Board members have a mutual requirement to let each other know if they are renewing their employment contracts one year in advance of expiration.

Kleckner is one of several Brookline department heads who have recently stepped down or disclosed their plan to do so. Vacant administrative positions currently include Chief of Police, Finance Director, Town Counsel, Planning and Community Development Director, and Director of Public Health and Human Services.