Brookline Names Four Finalists in Town Administrator Search

A town screening committee has named four finalists, including the former chief administrative officer for Newton, in its search for a new town manager.

The four finalists include Oscar S. Rodriguez, former executive director of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission; Julian M. Suso, current town manager of Framingham; Melvin A. Kleckner, outgoing town manager of Winchester; and Sanford Pooler, the former chief administrative officer for Newton.

The four candidates came from a pool of nearly 50 applicants, according to Human Resources Director Sandra DeBow.

DeBow and outgoing Town Administrator Richard Kelliher weeded out candidates who did not meet minimum requirements for the position, then forwarded the list to the screening committee, which includes Selectwomen Betsy DeWitt and Nancy Daly. The screening committee interviewed the applicants in closed executive session and recommended the final four candidates.

DeBow said town staff are currently checking references and conducting background checks on the candidates, who will likely appear before the full Board of Selectmen for interviews in late July.

Kelliher is retiring this Friday, July 2, after 15 years as town administrator.