27 January, 2011
Hopkinton has a new Director of Public Works. Selectmen confirmed the appointment of John Westerling at their January 25th meeting. Westerling will start work in Hopkinton on Monday, February 14th.
Before the vote of the board, Town Manager Norman Khumalo described Westerling as a “champion of civic benefit and a tireless advocate of public works.”
“He brings to this very challenging position a clarity of thinking and a very dedicated commitment to good customer service,” said Khumalo.
Westerling comes to Hopkinton from West Boylston where, according to Khumalo, he has proven himself to be an accomplished leader and manager of public works. A Worcester resident, Westerling was hired as the town’s sewer director in January of 2002 and was appointed as DPW Director of West Boylston in July 2004. He is also currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Worcester County Highway Association and on the Board of Directors for the American Public Works Association’s New England chapter. He is also a co-chair on the Annual Snow and Ice Removal Conference.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for me, both professionally and personally,” said Westerling.
Westerling was one of the two final candidates for the Hopkinton position when it became available six months ago.
“It wasn’t a runaway decision by any means,” said Selectman Todd Cestari. “I think we’re definitely going to have a winning situation.”
Westerling holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from UMASS Amherst, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Administration at Clark University.
