HOULTON, Maine — After losing its previous town manager to a southern Maine community, the town of Houlton has selected a Winthrop man to head north and be its next leader.
William D. MacDonald was unanimously approved as Houlton’s next town manager during a special council meeting Monday, Nov. 6. MacDonald replaces Butch Asselin, who left the post after three years to pursue a similar job in Oxford. Asselin also served as Houlton’s police chief for seven years (2007-2014).
Since Asselin’s departure in mid-August, Town Clerk/Assistant Town Manager Cathy O’Leary has been filling in as the town’s administrator.
O’Leary previously stated that the town received 24 applications for the job.
MacDonald has been employed with the Maine State Employees Association, SEIU Local 1989, since 2011 serving as a political and legislative coordinator. He has extensive experience in political lobbying.
In his position with the Maine State Employees Association, he was an advocate on behalf of public employees and retirees on budget and labor issues. He also coordinated and mobilized member leadership and advocacy for political and legislative campaigns; planned legislative agendas and political campaigns; and also directly lobbied lawmakers at the State House.
MacDonald also has experience analyzing state budgets and serving as an advocate in the appropriations process.
Prior to that position, MacDonald served as a park ranger at Baxter State Park from 2008-12 and was a member of the Winthrop Town Council from 2003-09 (serving as chairman from 2008-09).
MacDonald officially starts with the town on Tuesday, Nov. 28.
