Frederick named town manager
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill have a new town manager, with the Joint Board of Selectmen’s appointment of Jon R. Frederick, of Derry, N.H., as head of the three communities. Frederick will be replacing Martin Puckett, who recently left the position to become deputy city manager for Presque Isle.
Frederick, a 20-year veteran of the United States Coast Guard, is an experienced municipal manager, currently serving as director of parking and transportation for the city of Portsmouth, N.H.
Patricia Sutherland, chair of the Joint Board of Selectmen, said they were pleased that Frederick chose to accept their offer. He will be moving to the area to serve the citizens of the three towns, assuming his duties next month.
“We were very impressed with Jon’s experience and skill sets. He’s an outstanding communicator and has particular expertise in personnel and project management, leadership and community relations. We all look forward to his joining us in early June,” said Sutherland.
Frederick was one of more than two dozen people who applied for the job.
“We received more than 25 applications for the position, which gave us a strong pool from which to select,” said Robert Vigue, chair of the search committee.
Vigue said Frederick’s extensive background will be an asset to the three communities.
“Although we received a number of attractive applications, Jon’s significant experience in municipal operations and his communication and leadership skills put him at the top of the list for us, and the board was unanimous in its decision. We’re pleased he has accepted the position,” said Vigue.
Frederick has a bachelor of science in liberal arts from the University of the State of New York, Excelsior College, and a master of public administration from the University of New Hampshire. He will start his new position on June 11.
Frederick is assuming a position that was the first of its kind in the state, with one manager handling the affairs of three communities — Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill. The tri-community model continues to serve as an example of how municipalities can work together to benefit their respective citizens.
According to 2010 census figures, Mapleton’s population was 1,948 and total area of 34.4 square miles; Chapman recorded 468 citizens, with an area of 38.8 square miles; and Castle Hill reported 425 residents, covering 36.1 square miles.
