SNOW HILL, Md.- The Snow Hill Mayor and Town Council have announced the hiring of their next town manager, Rick Pollitt Jr. of Allen, Md.
Pollitt brings to the position decades of experience as a municipal manager, long-term professional connections to business leaders and local, state, regional and federal officials, and a reputation of integrity. Pollitt served as a city manager for over two decades between the cities of Fruitland and Crisfield as well as was elected and served two, four-year terms as the first county executive in Wicomico County. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Washington College, and has served on numerous boards and commissions, one of them being past president of the Maryland Association of Counties
Pollitt also has an extensive track record in supporting initiatives of diversification and environmental protection.
Pollitt was selected as the next Town Manager through a highly competitive national search. Mayor Jennifer Jewell has been performing town manager and mayoral duties concurrently since taking office in June. A Town Manager Search Committee was formed by the mayor, consisting of five residents representing varying interests, including a business owner, t own employee, and Councilwoman Melisa Weidner. The Search Committee worked independently of the mayor to narrow down the pool of over 27 candidates.
The final candidates were invited to spend a day in the Town of Snow Hill, visiting businesses and touring the Town, as well as meeting with Town staff, interviewing with both the Search Committee and the Mayor, and finally making a public presentation in which all attendees were invited to ask questions of the candidate. Input was gathered from the public, staff and Search Committee, and presented to Jewell, who then reviewed the candidates with the council. After discussing all gathered input and qualifications, the council then voted unanimously to offer the position to Pollitt.
The mayor and council said the town is in a position to see exponential progress in strengthening their infrastructure and boosting economic development, given the recent announcement of two significant financial awards and the launch of the new paddleboat, the Black-Eyed Susan, managed by Washington's, Inc. The town believes that the hiring of Pollitt signifies a stable and catalytic foundation for building upon the current momentum that is propelling the town forward.
"Mr. Pollitt has deep roots and connections on the Lower Eastern Shore and his commitment to strengthen communities, high level of integrity and professionalism make him a strong fit for Snow Hill," Jewell said.
Pollitt will begin his new role as Snow Hill town manager on Sept. 8.