Hopkinton town manager heard call for public service as a teenager in Zimbabwe

HOPKINTON — For outgoing Town Manager Norman Khumalo, his work was, is and always will be about the community. He said his favorite memory about serving Hopkinton will be about its residents.

"Their level of engagement, the quality of support that they’ve afforded Town Hall and the big accomplishments that we’ve collectively enjoyed over the years," he told the Daily News in an interview.

Khumalo, 59, announced last week that he would be be leaving his position, which he has held for more than 14 years, in early 2024 after accepting a job in the green energy industry. Specifically, he'll be working for Solect Energy, a solar company that's headquartered just a mile from Town Hall.

Earlier: After nearly 15 years leading Hopkinton, Norman Khumalo is moving to the private sector

Town officials praised Khumalo's work. In a press release announcing his departure, Select Board Chair Muriel Kramer said Khumalo "leaves us having securely positioned Hopkinton with durable and sustainable structures and processes firmly in place that we will use to continue to build for the future."

Khumalo's call for public service came after Zimbabwe's independence

Khumalo's native country, Zimbabwe, gained its independence from British colonial rule in 1980. Soon afterward, the rallying call for Zimbabweans was how to contribute to building a nation that's transitioning to independence.

"The answer for me was to build with the people and community development," said Khumalo, who was a teenager when Zimbabwe became independent. "Taking up planning was a profession that will take me to that point: being with people, participate in the reconstruction of the country and also in building a post-colonial community."

Khumalo landed jobs as town planner and, later, senior town planner for Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city. While working in these roles, he realized heading teams required additional training, and when an opportunity came to study for a master's degree in public administration in Canada, Khumalo took it.

He now holds two master's degrees from Carleton University in Ottawa, including one in regional and urban planning.

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Khumalo then began working at Oxfam America, a job he called "intense." Oxfam is a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice. He credited that experience with his moving into public service.

At Oxfam, Khumalo was the southern African program coordinator, overseeing Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa and Namibia. He was later promoted to Africa program director, overseeing Africa in three main areas: Southern Africa, the Horn of Africa and West Africa. Following the Rwandan genocide, he was involved with the African Great Lakes region.

Oxfam leads to civil service career

After working at Oxfam, Khumalo received an opportunity to work in a public and private partnership in Lawrence. He was tasked with developing a transportation program to serve senior citizens. He went on to serve in various roles in Wellesley and Walpole, and as assistant town manager in Westford from 2002-09.

It was then that Khumalo, who still had a young family, saw the opportunity to lead Hopkinton. It was also a shorter commute from his home in Uxbridge. He was picked to replace Anthony Troiano.

"It's a great community, a growing community and I was also looking to professionalize the town manager role and Town Hall services."

Khumalo on-board: New Hopkinton town manager is signed, sealed and delivered

Under Khumalo's guidance, Hopkinton has seen its bond rating rise from AA to AAA, and has become a certified Green City. He also led a reorganization of town departments, including the consolidation of land use, planning and permitting into a single Land Use Department. Similarly, he consolidated the legacy treasurer, accounting and assessing offices into the Hopkinton Finance Department.

Khumalo was a de facto host for the Boston Marathon, as the historic foot race starts in Hopkinton.

In 2022, Khumalo was a finalist for city manager in both Cambridge and Watertown but lost out each time.

What's next?

"I’ve always believed in government as this vehicle for moving forward development," Khumalo said. "So I’m now looking for the next best alternative to contribute to Zimbabwe, and learning skills. The green energy sector allows me to tap into resources that are abundant in Zimbabwe."

Solect Energy is a subsidiary of Pattern Energy, a multinational sustainable energy company.

Green energy has always been a passion for Khumalo, something that's reflected in Hopkinton becoming one of the state's first certified green communities, which included a visit from former Gov. Deval Patrick.

Khumalo's last day on the job will be determined in collaboration with the Select Board and other senior leaders so as to ensure a smooth transition.

"I’m very grateful to the community of Hopkinton for the opportunity, the quality support, the comradery," Khumalo said. "Yes, there have been times that were difficult, but what I’ve learned in Hopkinton is that we will come together and that’s why we’re a successful community."

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Hopkinton Manager credits resident engagement for town growth, success