McKenna Hires New CFO

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

Town Manager James McKenna has hired a new chief financial officer to replace the former CFO Tim Gordon, who left to become the town manager in Holbrook.

Michael Perez, of Jamaica Plan, started work at Town Hall last Thursday, leaving his spot as a revenue manager for the City of Boston.

“There were a number of qualified candidates but Michael blew us away,” said Precinct 2 Councilor James Letterie, who served on the search committee, which included town and school department members. “He proved to be the one with the most confidence.”

Perez, 30, has also work for the Collins Center. He is a West Coast native who graduated from Pacific Lutheran University. He holds a master’s degree in economic policy from Suffolk University.

“I like what the town is doing,” Perez said. “The town is willing to take a risk on things like the ferry. It wants to improve and get better. The town is looking constantly to improve and move forward.”

Perez said revenue is his specialty, something he was in charge of for the city of Boston.

“I’m here to serve people,” Perez said. He already has been attending committee meetings around town and delving into his job. He’s getting up to speed to tackle  the fiscal year 2017 budget.

“I’ll be looking for improvements, efficiencies, infrastructure innovations and economic development,” Perez said.

Personally, Perez is interested in green projects and areas where environmental impact can be lessened. He is a big fan of the water and excited about working on the ferry.

“I’d like to see waterfront development, restaurants,” Perez said.