Marblehead needs a new town treasurer-tax collector after Rachel Blaisdell decided not to return from maternity leave. Blaisdell started on the job in November 2022.
Blaisdell’s resignation comes amid high turnover in the finance department. The Select Board appointed Cami Iannarelli as acting treasurer, Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin Nunley told the Marblehead Current.
“She has maintained operations with no interruptions in treasurer and collector services,” Nunley said. “She was key in getting us through the annual audit for the Treasurer-Collector’s office.
Nunley noted Iannarelli has six years’ experience in the Treasurer-Collector’s Office with multiple administrations and staff changes.
“She has maintained continuity throughout and is dedicated to the town.”
For about three years, Marblehead has not had consistent leadership in either the finance director or the treasurer-collector roles.
The reason? Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer has pointed, in part, to a competitive marketplace for finance professionals. Case in his point: Michael Carrietta briefly served as acting finance director before the private sector scooped him up.
John McGinn, the former town administrator and finance director, came out of retirement last year to work as a part-time consultant when the town had trouble finding an interim finance director.
Marblehead now searches for a permanent replacement as officials prepare the fiscal year 2025 municipal government for Town Meeting’s consideration in May.
Marblehead posted the vacancy on Dec. 20 with a $80,740 to $104,963 salary range. Nunley noted the job’s authority spans everything from reinforcing the town’s financial policies and issuing bonds to overseeing payroll to managing the entire Treasurer-Collector’s Office.
“The office currently only has three positions, and municipalities of this size typically have four to five positions,” Nunley said, adding that the entire “finance team is very supportive … to help maintain daily operations.”
“In addition, I am looking to increase the staffing for the Treasurer Collector’s Office,” she said.
Nunley is focused on cultivating and nurturing a supportive team environment.
“This not only helps maintain operations but also identifies efficiencies. Always showing appreciation and acknowledging the hard work being done every day,” said Nunley on what that environment looks like. “Implemented new financial policies to give a framework that guides employees through financial operations. Support the finance team by being available and empowering them to make good financial decisions.”
