CARIBOU, Maine – Caribou Utilities District is searching for a new leader after the departure of its general manager.
Hugh Kirkpatrick was hired to lead the District in 2016, replacing longtime general manager Alan Hitchcock.
Kirkpatrick submitted his resignation to the District’s board of trustees June 13. His final day on the job was June 28. He accepted a position with Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, where he will supervise young engineers working on the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet.
“I chose to resign at this time to pursue new challenges with an organization that wants my experience, skills and abilities,” Kirkpatrick said.
Kirkpatrick oversaw numerous water and sewer upgrades within Caribou, most recently moving two underground pump stations above ground and upgrading the city’s wastewater treatment and collection system. He advocated for a city-wide fiber broadband network, a project that stalled due to a lack of grant funding and a planned network expansion from Spectrum.
Board of Trustees Chairperson Gary Aiken said that the board hopes to hire a new general manager by late August.
The board recently launched a search and has received 10 applicants so far. They are looking for someone with experience in water and sewer system management and, though not required, would prefer that candidates have an engineering background, Aiken said.
