Foxborough Fire Chief Named Interim Health Director

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Faced with having to find a new town health director in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Town Manager William Keegan named Foxborough Fire Chief Michael Kelleher as interim director until the position can be filled.

Town officials knew Health Director Pauline Zajdel was retiring, but they initially thought they would have until the end of the year to replace her. At last Tuesday's selectmen meeting, Assistant Town Manager Michael Johns told the board Zajdel moved up her departure date from the year's end to Thanksgiving week.

Keegan said other towns have had similar situations and have taken a chance on hiring sanitarians with less experience for their roles, but rushing the process isn't something he thinks the town should risk.

Keegan cited the need for his actions to help support the remaining staff members in the health department while they try to protect the community during the COVID-19 crisis. Foxborough, along with many cities and towns throughout Massachusetts and the country, has seen a recent spike in COVID-19 cases.

"This is no time to diminish the health department's staff capabilities" Keegan said. "The ongoing partnership between the public health department and the fire department will be further enhanced during this interim period while we continue to search for a qualified candidate to fill the upcoming vacancy."

Keegan and Johns last week suggested the fire department command staff could temporarily oversee health department functions while the search to replace Zajdel continues. Both said Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Kenvin was a crucial part of the town's COVID-19 response efforts as the town's public health nurse. Kelleher is also a registered sanitarian.

Kelleher's interim position begins Wednesday and will last until the position is filled. Keegan, who has sole authority on appointments, said he's hoping the selection process moves into the interview phase within the next seven-to-10 days.

"As we look to the future of the impending change in the leadership of the Foxborough Health Department, we want to thank Pauline Zajdel for her years of service to the Town of Foxborough and want to wish her health and happiness throughout her retirement," Keegan said.