Garvin Appointed After Hayward Resigns from Finance Committee

Town Moderator Dick Defreitas will officially appoint Patrice Garvin to the Finance Committee today after Dwight Hayward resigned last week.

Defreitas found himself in a similar situation last fall after another seat was vacated on the Finance Committee, and already had a pool of candidates for the post.

"Patrice has much experience in municipal budgeting. She is currently the Executive Assistant to the Town Manager of Groton, having held that position since 2007," Defreitas said.

"She has a working knowledge of public finances, having seen the creation of a municipal budget from start to finish and has an understanding of governmental structure. In the past she served as recording secretary for the Chelmsford Board of Selectman. Patrice will help the Finance Committee move forward into a sustaining and positive future," he said.

Garvin will fill the remainder of Dwight Hayward’s term. Dereitas said Hayward served for 28 years on the committee, many of which he served as chairman.

"I personally can't remember a time when he wasn't on the FinCom... I wish him well," he said.

The appointment had to made quickly because the Finance Committee is already well into municipal budget season, DeFreitas said.

to the committee last October. Roland Van Liew, who led the selectmen recall effort last summer, also about that seat on the board.

Anyone interested in applying for a seat should send their resume and qualifications at any time to RDeFreitas@townofchelmsford.us.

"I keep an active list on file," he said. "Applicants should be aware of the commitment involved. The FinCom is a very dedicated, hard working committee."