Patt named municipal manager in Rockingham

The Rockingham Selectboard and the Bellows Falls Trustees have hired Aaron Patt as the new municipal manager under a three-year contract. Patt replaces Alex Torpey, who has served as interim municipal manager.

Patt has served as town administrator for Greenfield, NH since 2011, fostering a professional and collaborative culture among department leaders. During Patt’s service there, the town has achieved several major milestones, including the opening of a new police station in 2023, securing a $1 million grant for the renovation of the historic Meeting House in 2024, and completing renovations to establish a new community center in 2025.

These accomplishments were driven by an emphasis on teamwork, clear communication, and sound financial management. Patt’s oversight of municipal finances has maintained the town’s strong fiscal position without the need for borrowing, while promoting transparency and open dialogue with staff, elected officials, and community stakeholders and advancing a modern approach to municipal management that aligns available resources with service needs and maintains a high standard of public service.

With more than twenty-five years of public service, Patt appreciates the complexity of Rockingham’s governmental structure, including the villages of Bellows Falls and Saxtons River.

The Town of Rockingham and Village of Bellows Falls conducted an approximately four-month recruitment process in collaboration with Vermont League of Cities and Town executive recruitment services, led by former Montpelier municipal manager Bill Fraser.

Patt’s first day as municipal manager will be Tuesday, May 26. The selectboard and Bellows Falls Trustees, on behalf of municipal staff and the community, welcome Patt to the role and will be providing opportunities for community members to meet the new municipal manager.