Sarah Stanton Announces Resignation as Bedford Town Manager

Public Statement from Sarah Stanton, Bedford Town Manager  

I have notified the Select Board that I will be stepping down from my position as Town Manager in the coming weeks, to pursue a new career opportunity.

I am proud of the work that has been accomplished by our team over the past four and a half years. Together, we navigated a global health pandemic, established a community food bank that continues to serve 200 households per week, created Bedford’s first racial equity municipal action plan, and strengthened the capital budget and operating budget.

We have provided greater transparency and engagement with the community, established the Department of Health and Human Services, hosted the first-ever Bedford beer gardens on the Common, and recruited major businesses such as Ultragenyx, which will benefit Bedford’s tax base for years to come. These are just some of the many projects I was honored to lead during my tenure.

This incredible work would not have been possible without the efforts of municipal and school staff members, who are some of the most talented and dedicated people that I have had the opportunity to work with. Bedford is lucky to have departmental leadership and employees who are experts in their fields, consummate professionals, and deeply dedicated to this community.

I am especially grateful for the Town Manager’s Office staff – Colleen, Amy, Charlie, Jeff, and Leanne – who have made coming to work every day a joy. Bedford’s elected and appointed board and committee members make the Town a special place to live and work and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to partner with them over the past few years.

Lastly, I want to thank the Select Board for their support, trust, and camaraderie throughout my tenure – and I am thankful for their leadership, professionalism, and focus on making Bedford a great Town.

In the near future, the Select Board will announce the process of conducting a search for Bedford’s next Town Manager, and the creation of a search committee. Colleen Doyle, Assistant Town Manager for Human Resources and Administration, will serve as Interim Town Manager. The residents of Bedford will be in excellent hands through this transition.