SOUTH DEERFIELD — After a few months with Christopher Dunne serving as the interim town administrator, the Select Board stripped the temporary tag off his title and appointed Dunne to the permanent role last week.

The board voted on Nov. 14 to enter contact negotiations with Dunne, following two finalist interviews. Of the dozen candidates to apply for the position, Dunne and Alex Lent, the director of the Leominster Public Library, were the only two selected by the screening committee to move forward to finalist interviews.

Dunne joined Deerfield in 2023 to serve as the community’s first planning and economic development coordinator, following a year and a half as Blandford’s town administrator. He took over as interim town administrator in September after longtime administrator Kayce Warren retired.

“We’re thrilled because he’s a great candidate,” said Select Board Chair Tim Hilchey. “There’s no question that he’s done an amazing job.”

Alongside the work he’s done in Deerfield over the last year, which included picking up the reins on the Leary Lot project, as well as helping guide the 1888 Building project through Town Meeting, Dunne explained in his interview he has strong personal skills to go with his planning and administration abilities.

“I highly value civility and objectivity,” he said, adding he has the ability to “turn the temperature down in a room.” “I think there are plenty of instances in municipal government where that’s what you need.”

When asked by the Select Board about his ability to manage people and projects, especially those on tight deadlines, he pointed to his work with the 1888 Building, and how he was able to work with numerous committees and departments around the town to help residents bring the project forward.

“I’m collaborative by nature and I think that’s helpful to have that demeanor and perspective in municipal government,” Dunne said. “I’m open and willing and happy to work with people to make sure everyone is included because, often, that’s the only way to get things done in this business.”