Get to know Winchendon's interim town manager, Bill McKinney

Emilia Cardona, The Gardner News
·2 min read
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Dedham native Bill McKinney is currently filling the role of interim Winchendon town manager and is aiming to serve as best as he can.

In July, McKinney signed a three-month contract with the town, which ends in late September. The Board of Selectmen has authorized a three-month extension to McKinney's interim contract if they have not chosen a new town manager by the end of September.

Between working in municipal government and state agencies, McKinney has over 17 years of experience serving small and large communities across Massachusetts. McKinney was the chief financial officer in Weymouth for four years before accepting an opportunity to work under the Baker administration in 2015.

Originally from Dedham, McKinney started getting involved with local government and community service in his hometown. He received a bachelor's degree in economics and accounting from College of the Holy Cross and a master of business administration from Babson College in Wellesley.

McKinney said he saw the posting for an interim town manager on the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) website and decided to apply. He said two other candidates were interviewed before he was offered the temporary position.

Dedham native, Bill McKinney is the Winchendon interim town manager until further notice. He hopes to get to know as many town hall employees and community leaders as possible.
Dedham native, Bill McKinney is the Winchendon interim town manager until further notice. He hopes to get to know as many town hall employees and community leaders as possible.

Getting to know the town

During his time as interim town manager, McKinney said he wants to get to know as many Winchendon folks as possible. McKinney said he is looking to improve efficiency at town hall while he is on board.

"Every time I get a piece of paper, I'm asking why we aren't doing this online?" he said. "Why don't we try to be a little bit more efficient so we can pay our vendors electronically instead of by physical check."

McKinney said he is always open to listen to town employees' suggestions or ideas that improve town hall operations.

What surprised McKinney the most was how friendly the residents of Winchendon are and how passionate they are about their community. He said he noticed how hard the town hall employees and residents who volunteer for local boards work to help their community grow.

"I love the town and I love the people I work with," he said. "It's been a great experience so far, but (MMA) hasn't posted the job yet, so for right now I'm just focusing on doing the best I can."

McKinney has not indicated whether or not he would apply to become the permanent town manager.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Winchendon Interim Town Manager Bill McKinney worked for Charlie Baker