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Date: 12/28/2022
BELCHERTOWN – The Select Board appointed Ashley Walker to become to the town treasurer/collector in a 3-2 vote.
The board hosted interviews with three candidates for the position, which will be vacant in early 2023, and the majority thought Walker was the best of the three.
Walker has been the treasurer/collector for the town of Ware for the past year and the operations manager at Country Bank for nine years before that.
According to Walker, one of her biggest accomplishments is starting as a bank teller and quickly working her way to the operations office role.
“I was very proud of myself to take what I learned and bring it to Ware and learn a whole new role.” Walker added.
Select Board member Jen Turner asked why Walker is looking to leave her position in Ware.
Walker said, “I think my skillset could add to the town of Belchertown. I am looking to bring my skillset to a bigger community.”
Select Board Chair Jim Barry asked Walker what her goals would be in the first six months.
Walker said, “Understanding and learning the processes that are in place now are very important to see what is working. I feel like this department runs very well so I would not come in and change anything right away.”
Louraine asked, “Setting aside your skillset, what makes you think you are a good fit for Belchertown?”
Walker responded, “Besides my skillset, I am personable as well as overthinking. I can bring a lot of positivity and great things from a technology side with my background of banking.”
One reason that Select Board member Ed Boscher did not vote in favor of Walker was because she did not have a college degree.
“I did not attend college, but I am taking courses with some banks that can go towards college credits. Any courses that have to do with banking I am always looking for and attending,” Walker said.
Human Resources Director Joanne Misiaszek added, “It is our recommended minimum qualification. I do not want to put so much emphasis on the bachelor’s degree. I think exeperince and education combined are an important consideration for this role. Lot of treasurer/collectors throughout the state probably do not have a bachelor’s degree.”
Turner also was hesitant to vote Walker and said no, but Barry, Select Board Clerk Peg Louriane and Select Board Vice Chair Ron Aponte thought it she was qualified and can use this transition time to learn from current Treasurer/Collector Lisa Banner.
“We have such a good seasoned and veteran department already who know what they are doing. It is not the type of thing that I want to say is auto pilot but its close to that.” Aponte added.
Louraine said, “The sooner we decide, the candidate will have a longer transition period and learn from Lisa Banner. I think that time will be invaluable.”
According to Barry, the search for a new treasurer/collector has been going on for approximately six weeks and has produced few candidates.
Misiaszek added that she had personally called other towns promoting the opening of treasurer/collector and got no responses back.
Walker’s start date will be discussed with Misiaszek in the coming weeks with Banner retiring early 2023.