Mansfield Names New Town Manager

MANSFIELD, CT — Mayor Paul Shapiro and the Mansfield Town Council on Monday voted to appoint Derrik Kennedy as the next town manager.

He is scheduled to start work in Mansfield in May.

“Derrik Kennedy is everything that Mansfield was looking for in a Town Manager," Shapiro said. "He has a proven track record of success everywhere he has worked and those who know him speak of his high standards and tireless work ethic. The Town Council and the department head team recognized Derrik as a poised, knowledgeable leader. Mansfield is fortunate to have Derrik Kennedy on board as our Town Manager. We look forward to working with Derrik as we address the challenges that face our community.”

Kennedy has been town manager of Westerly, RI since 2015. He also had experience working in the Connecticut towns of Enfield and Colchester as well as at the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. Kennedy is a member and former President of the Rhode Island City/Town Manager’s Association.

Kennedy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in both History and Political Science from the University of Connecticut. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from UConn and is currently pursuing his Master of Science degree is Organizational Leadership through the School of Business at Quinnipiac University. Kennedy currently holds the ICMA Credentialed Manager designation.

"I am honored to be selected as the next town manager for the Town of Mansfield,” Kennedy said. “I understand that Mansfield has a history of successful, professional management and I hope to continue to provide such services to the Council and community. I am very excited to get to know and work with the staff, residents, community groups, university officials, and Town Councilors. My family and I are delighted to make Mansfield our home too."

Kennedy was the Assistant Town Manager of Enfield, Connecticut from 2013 to 2015. While in that position, among other activities, Kennedy established a successful Citizens Academy, Capital Replacement Plan, and worked toward a complete rehabilitation of the Town’s Water Pollution Control Facility and infrastructure. Under Kennedy’s guidance, the Town received its first and second Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. During his tenure in Enfield, Kennedy served on the Connecticut Town/City Managers Association Executive Board.

Prior to Enfield, Kennedy worked for the Town of Colchester, Connecticut. In that role, Kennedy was responsible for Human Resources, acted as the Chief Information Officer during emergencies, and assisted the Town in receiving its first and second GFOA, Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

Kennedy also worked in various roles for the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. Primarily acting as a consultant for municipal leaders on effective town management, Kennedy worked on both general government and labor relation activities. Kennedy interned for a year at the Connecticut General Assembly and then for a year at CCM.

Photo Credit: Town of Enfield