The Carbondale Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Lauren Gister as their unanimous choice for Town Manager following the conclusion of a national search. The Board of Trustees approved a two-year contract for Gister at their November 23 meeting. Columbia ltd, a national recruitment firm with expertise in municipal government placement, led the Town Board in the search.
Gister’s start date with the Town of Carbondale is January 17, 2022, with a salary of $180,000, housing, and relocation benefits. She currently lives in Chester, Connecticut, where she is serving her fourth term as First Selectwoman, an elected position that functions as the town’s chief executive officer. She is also a practicing attorney and served in the United States Marine Corps for over 25 years.
"We are thrilled to welcome Lauren to the Town of Carbondale, and it's especially reassuring that our staff, community interview panel, and the Board of Trustees were in complete agreement about this hiring decision. Lauren is incredibly adaptive, a remarkable problem solver, and has a commendable record leading a similar community with great success. She is an ideal fit for Carbondale," said Carbondale Mayor Dan Richardson.
“I look forward to immersing myself in Carbondale and getting to work on behalf of the residents,” Gister said. “I am excited to become part of this vibrant community." The Town Board of Trustees will introduce Gister to the community at an event in January, with details to be announced soon.