WESTFORD CENTER — Town Manager Kristen Las announced her resignation during Tuesday night’s Select Board meeting.
The announcement came during the open forum and announcements agenda item at the beginning of the meeting, where Las told meeting attendees that her resignation comes after she accepted a new position as the first Deputy Town Manager for the Town of Shrewsbury.
“With mixed emotions, I am formally announcing my resignation as Town Manager for the Town of Westford,” Las said during the meeting. “Serving as Westford’s Town Manager for the past three and a half years has been an incredible honor and privilege. This has been an important chapter in my professional career, and I am deeply grateful to the Select Board for the confidence you placed in me and for the opportunity to serve this community.”
Las served as Westford Town Manager since February of 2023, succeeding Jodi Ross, who served in the position for 14 and a half years.
During Las’ tenure, she led the town towards developing its first strategic plan. She also helped advance long-term capital planning, strengthen municipal communications, address key financial and operational priorities and helped move the town forward with significant community initiatives.
Las credits these accomplishments to the collective efforts of town employees, elected officials, volunteers and residents, noting that the progress reflected a shared commitment to serving the community rather than the work of any one individual.
”Westford is fortunate to have an incredibly talented and dedicated workforce,” Las said. “I have had the privilege of working with people who care deeply about their work and about providing excellent service to the community. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am especially grateful for the relationships I have built during my time here.”
Las said her last day as Westford Town Manager will be Sept. 30. and until then, her top priority will be ensuring continuity in town operations and supporting a smooth and thoughtful transition.
She then thanked members of the Select Board, town employees, volunteers and residents for their support during her tenure as Town Manager.
”Although this is a difficult decision, I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as Westford’s Town Manager,” Las said. “I leave with tremendous respect for this community and with great appreciation for the people who make Westford such a special place.”
One Response
Right. Just like Jodi Ross before her, Kristin appears to have recognized the writing on the wall. In my opinion, the leadership of the Town of Westford, particularly the Select Board, has allowed progressive political ideology and personal agendas to overshadow sound governance. The result? Yet another highly competent Town Manager heading for the door.
Westford has spent years drifting away from the quiet, well-managed New England town so many of us chose to call home. Instead, it seems increasingly focused on becoming “Cambridge West,” chasing trendy initiatives while losing sight of the values that made this community special.
Meanwhile, newcomers arrive demanding an ever-growing list of expensive amenities and programs, many of which longtime residents never asked for. Then many move on, leaving the people who built this town and stayed here to shoulder the ever-increasing property tax burden.
Kristin, I wish you nothing but success in Shrewsbury. They are gaining a talented, capable professional. In my view, Westford has once again demonstrated that it has become far better at driving away good leadership than keeping it. Shrewsbury is fortunate to have you.