22 May, 2024
Interim Town Manager Elaine C. Lazarus is pleased to share several new hires and promotions for the Town of Hopkinton this year and would like to recognize over 20 new employees currently working in various departments for the Town.
"These are the people who perform the necessary functions in our town government and we're very excited to have them onboard," said Interim Town Manager Lazarus said.
Jessica “Jak” Miller - Assistant Library Services Director
Miller was promoted from her previous position as a Young Adult Librarian to Assistant Library Services Director.
As a Young Adult Librarian, Miller developed and maintained young adult collections, coordinated summer reading programs and oversaw the Young Adult volunteer program. Miller holds a bachelor’s degree in humanities and a Master of Library and Information Science.
The Assistant Library Services Director is a new position responsible for assisting in the planning, organization, supervision, development, and administration of all library services, personnel, operations, programs, and special projects.
Armando Ndreu - Facilities Manager
Ndreu has a background in construction, building maintenance and management. In his new role, Ndreu coordinates the maintenance and custodial operations of Town facilities.
Rita Ben-Cherqui - Payroll Manager
Ben-Cherqui has experience as a payroll manager for multiple organizations, including King & Bishop and the YMCA-Boston. In both positions, she served as a primary contact and subject matter expert for all payroll functions. Ben-Cherqui holds a Master of Business Administration, a bachelor's degree in business administration, and an associate's degree in accounting and computer science.
In her new role, Ben-Cherqui manages, plans, develops, interprets, and implements payroll programs and activities.
Cindy Johnston - Senior Accounting Manager/Town Accountant
Johnston comes to the Town of Hopkinton with a background in municipal finance preparing budgets and maintaining accounting systems.
In her new role, Johnston is responsible for planning, controlling and directing professional accounting, auditing, procurement and grant reporting work for various Town departments in compliance with Massachusetts General Laws, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, and Bylaws of the Town of Hopkinton.
Johnston holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an associate’s degree in business administration.
Charles "CJ" Paquette - Treasurer/Collector
Paquette had been serving as the Town's Assistant Treasurer/Collector since June 2023. In this position, he has been responsible for in-person and online payment processing, warrant processing, payroll and accounts balancing. He has also completed extensive coursework through the Massachusetts Collectors and Treasurers Association’s Certified Treasurer certification process.
Paquette was promoted to Treasurer/Collector and began in the role in February. He fills the position following the December retirement of Diane Hendrickson.
Paquette has previous finance experience at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School, the Town of Spencer, and Southbridge Credit Union. He also has expertise in tax collections. He attended Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School in the Marketing vocational program.
Michael Savard - Assistant Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer
Savard has over 25 years of construction and management experience, having served as President/CEO of Lakeview Construction and Remodeling in Blackstone. He also has previous experience as a construction supervisor and project manager.
As Assistant Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer, Savard will enforce all applicable codes and laws including zoning bylaws, conduct plan reviews and issue building permits.
Kyla LaPierre - Chief Financial Officer
LaPierre worked at State Street Corporation, a Boston-based financial services company, starting in 1994 and served in multiple roles, including Executive Vice President, during her 29 years with the company.
In her new role, LaPierre will lead and direct the finance team. She will execute all of the financial planning, analysis and practices for the Town, and ensure accuracy, accountability and efficiency of all municipal and departmental finance reports.
LaPierre holds a bachelor's degree in finance.
Jed Fenneuff - Water and Sewer Assistant Manager
Fenneuff was promoted from Water Technician to Water and Sewer Assistant Manager. Fenneuff has worked for the Town of Hopkinton since 2012 in the Water and Sewer Department. Before serving in Hopkinton, Fenneuff worked in the Public Works Department in Framingham.
Jessica Lewerenz - Human Resources Director
Lewerenz was promoted from Benefits Administrator to Human Resources Director. Lewerenz has worked for the Town of Hopkinton since 2019 in the Human Resources department, serving all municipal departments except for the school district. Previously she worked for the Town of Charlton as the Human Resources Director.
Anh Fahey - Assistant Treasurer/Collector
Fahey has experience as a finance assistant and payroll administrator. She previously served at MUNIS Finance working in HR, payroll and accounts payable in town accounting and finance departments.
Additionally, the Town of Hopkinton has also filled critical openings and positions across several departments:
Maureen Sammon - Program Coordinator/Summer Supervisor, Parks & Recreation
Sgt. Gregg Deboer - Promoted from Detective
Sgt. Matthew Santoro - Promoted from School Resource Officer
Lt. Scott van Raalten - Promoted from Detective Sergeant
Kyle Quinzani - Police Officer
Ray Stephenson - Promoted from Senior Library Assistant to Reference Technology Librarian
Justin Cappuccio - Academy Officer, who is attending Fitchburg State University Police Academy
Aline Matos - Academy Officer, who will attend the Boylston MPTC Academy
Benjamin Vaz - Academy Officer, who will attend the Randolph MPTC Academy
Melissa Menard - Promoted from Prep Cook to Head Chef, Hopkinton Senior Center
Tom Iversen - Food Service Worker, Senior Center
Antonio Garcia - Custodial Maintenance Worker, Facilities
Valdeci Alves - Custodial Maintenance Worker, Facilities
Nathanny Balbino - Administrative Assistant, Land Use, Planning & Permitting
Jessica Dyment - Young Adult Librarian
