HOLMDEL – A member of the Township Committee has called Cherron Rountree, the municipality’s new administrator, “a breath of fresh air for this town.”
Prior to the appointment of Holmdel’s new administrator during a meeting on Oct. 22, Committeeman Greg Buontempo said Government Strategy Group, a management consulting firm, solicited resumes from individuals inside and outside the state.
Buontempo said candidate interviews were conducted by Holmdel officials. He explained that several individuals were selected to meet with municipal department heads.
“The members of the Township Committee then met with (the final candidates) again … I can say with clarity and certainty that (Cherron Rountree) is single-handedly the best candidate we have ever interviewed,” Buontempo said.
Committeeman Tom Critelli said he had a “pleasant interview” with Rountree. He said that due to a scheduling conflict, he did not participate in a second interview.
“After speaking with senior staff who had the opportunity to speak with you, they were very impressed,” Critelli told Rountree. “The staff, who I have a lot of respect for … support you. You (Rountree) have my unwavering support.”
Committeeman Rocco Passcuci, who said he was upset some committee members did not attend a second interview with Rountree, said the new administrator is “a breath of fresh air for this town.”
Committeeman Michael Nikolis said “it is an honor to vote yes” to hire Rountree.
Joseph Hartnett, a management consultant at Government Strategy Group, said Rountree has extensive experience with municipal and county management. He said there were more than 40 applicants for the administrator’s position.
Prior to accepting the position in Holmdel, Rountree was the borough administrator in Eatontown.
In remarks to the committee, she said, “I want to thank each and every one of you for your support. I am very excited to join the Holmdel team. From everybody I have met so far, it seems like a wonderful community. I see a lot of the community members here. I look forward to meeting (the community) in the future.”
Rountree will succeed Donna Vieiro in the administrator’s position.
Committee members approved the following salaries for Rountree: Nov. 12, 2019 to Nov. 11, 2020, $175,000; Nov. 12, 2020 to Nov. 11, 2021, $180,000; Nov. 12, 2021 to Nov. 11, 2022, $185,000; and Nov. 12, 2022 to Nov. 11, 2023, $190,000.
Mayor Eric Hinds was absent from the Oct. 22 meeting.