ROCKINGHAM, Vt. – The Rockingham Selectboard and the Bellows Falls Trustees voted unanimously at their meeting on April 21 to hire Aaron Patt as the town’s new municipal manager under a three-year contract. Patt replaces Alex Torpey, who has capably served as interim municipal manager.
Patt has served as town administrator for Greenfield, N.H., since 2011, where he has fostered a professional and collaborative culture among department leaders. Under his leadership, the town has achieved several major milestones, including the opening of a new police station in 2023, the securing of a $1 million grant for the renovation of the historic Meeting House in 2024, and the completion of renovations to establish a new community center in 2025. These accomplishments were driven by a strong emphasis on teamwork, clear communication, and sound financial management. His careful oversight of municipal finances has maintained the town’s strong fiscal position without the need for borrowing. He is known for promoting transparency and open dialogue with staff, elected officials, and community stakeholders, while advancing a modern approach to municipal management that aligns available resources with service needs and maintains a high standard of public service.
Patt shared, “I came into public service in 2002 by volunteering to manage a Superfund site for my community. I had the opportunity to be a selectman, a county commissioner, and, since 2011, a town administrator.”
With more than 25 years of public service, Patt appreciates the complexity of Rockingham’s governmental structure, including the villages of Bellows Falls and Saxtons River. He expressed enthusiasm about beginning work with municipal staff, elected officials, and community stakeholders to advance the priorities of the selectboard and village trustees.
Finance Director Alyssa Harlow remarked, “It’s exciting to welcome a leader who brings a strong fiscal perspective to the role, with a clear understanding of long-term financial planning, responsible budgeting, and sustainable decision making.”
“I’m also encouraged by his commitment to balancing financial planning with the needs of our employees. Supporting our workforce while planning for the future is essential, and I’m confident his approach reflects that balance,” added Heather Hitchcock, the municipality’s personnel resource manager.
The Town of Rockingham and Village of Bellows Falls conducted an approximately four-month recruitment process in collaboration with Vermont League of Cities and Towns’ Executive Recruitment Services, led by former Montpelier Municipal Manager Bill Fraser. Four finalists were interviewed from among 44 applicants. Patt first met with the hiring committee and subsequently participated in separate meetings with the selectboard and village trustees, and department heads as part of a comprehensive evaluation process.
Selectboard Chair Rick Cowan expressed confidence in the search’s outcome. “Aaron impressed the hiring committee and department heads as thoughtful, experienced, well-organized, and articulate. His skill set is a great fit for what Rockingham needs in municipal leadership. I look forward to working with him.”
“I’m eager to collaborate with the dedicated team of municipal stakeholders and support the boards’ shared commitment to the community,” Patt said. “My goal is to balance the town’s available resources with its service needs, while continuing to deliver a high standard of public service.”
Patt’s first day as municipal manager will be May 26. The selectboard and Bellows Falls Trustees, on behalf of municipal staff and the community, look forward to welcoming him and will be providing opportunities for community members to meet their new municipal manager.