Hermon’s town manager is resigning so he can spend more time with his family.
Town Manager Joshua Berry submitted his resignation at the end of March, but agreed to stay on until the town’s budget is finalized at the end of June, Town Council Chairman Ronald Murphy said.
Berry resigned because he has a young family and needed more flexibility for his children’s busy schedules, he said. With three kids between the ages of 4 and 11, he’s coaching about half a dozen youth sports leagues.
The town provided Berry as much flexibility as possible, and it’s a very fulfilling position, but it’s also a job that’s 24/7, Berry said. It takes a lot of time and dedication, which is not something he can commit to right now.
“I love Hermon,” Berry said. “I love working for the town. If my kids were older, I wouldn’t be leaving.”
He worked as the town’s tax assessor for years before he started as interim manager in 2022 and then took on the position full time.
Berry still wants to continue serving the town of Hermon. He is running for a town council seat in the June 11 election. He is also returning to work as a tax assessor, this time in a contract position with various municipalities.
The new town manager, Stephen Fields, will start July 1, Murphy said. Fields currently works as the town manager for Corinth. Fields stood out as a candidate because of his background and experience, Murphy said.
“He deals with people very well,” Murphy said. “I think he’s going to be a good fit for Hermon.”
