The Halifax Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to offer the position of Town Administrator to Steven Solbo Jr., currently the Energy Projects Manager for the towns of Sharon and Norwood. The decision capped a night of interviews with three finalists, bringing a former resident back to town to lead Halifax through a challenging fiscal landscape.
In a meeting described by Chair Jonathan Selig as featuring “one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make since being a Selectman,” the Board interviewed three candidates: David Coderre, the Vice President of Procurement for the Worcester Housing Authority and Chairman of the Board of Finance in Putnam, CT.; Justin Paré, a Channel Strategy Executive at VMware and the Town Council President in North Attleboro; and Solbo.
While all three candidates were praised for their qualifications, the Board ultimately gravitated toward Solbo, citing his “hunger,” local roots, and familiarity with the town. Solbo previously lived in Halifax from 2005 to 2013 and described the opportunity as a “coming home” moment.
Solbo brings a diverse background in municipal government, having served as an environmental planner and conservation agent in Bridgewater, an assistant HR director in Middleboro, and currently managing energy projects and grants for Sharon and Norwood. He highlighted his success in securing grants, a critical skill as Halifax faces a difficult budget cycle, noting he has secured approximately $1 million in grant funding this fiscal year alone.
The Board deliberated publicly, weighing Coderre’s strong financial acumen and Paré’s leadership experience against Solbo’s energy and local connection. Selectman Thomas Pratt noted that Solbo “might be the hungriest of the three,” suggesting he would hit the ground running with the most gusto.
Solbo indicated he could be ready to start as early as February 1st.