Adam Wilson is stepping down as town administrator to pursue a job as outreach coordinator for Bay State Wind, the collaboration between DONG Energy Inc. and Eversource that plans to build a wind farm 15 miles off the southern coast of Martha’s Vineyard.
Mr. Wilson, who has served as town administrator for more than six years, announced his resignation at Monday night’s meeting of the board of selectmen and will turn in his letter making it official on Wednesday. His contract calls for him to give six weeks notice, but Mr. Wilson said he would give the board of selectmen more time if needed to find his replacement.
“They’re probably going to want to look at the overall position,” he told the Times Monday. “I’ve been talking to them about how this is a burnout job.”
Mr. Wilson is the de facto receptionist at town hall and also has to serve as administrator for other town boards.
As outreach coordinator for the wind turbine project, Mr. Wilson would oversee community benefit fund the company plans to establish on Island.
His resignation from the nearly $90,000 per year job comes as Mr. Wilson is running in the May 10 town election for the board of assessors, an unpaid volunteer position, against incumbent Michael Stutz.
“For me, it’s a great career opportunity,” Mr. Wilson said of the job with Bay State Wind. “It will give me a chance to do the kind of work I’m really good at.”
Selectmen heard the news prior to the meeting, and although they were not shocked, they looked disappointed to hear of Mr. Wilson’s departure. They thanked Mr. Wilson, wished him the best, and said they were sad to see him go.
News editor George Brennan contributed to this report.
