Select Board appoints Jayne Wellman as Town Manager
(2-3 minute read)
Jayne Wellman, appointed as Reading’s Town Manager by the Select Board on March 24, 2026. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
For residents following leadership changes at Town Hall, the Select Board voted on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, to appoint Jayne Wellman as Reading’s next Town Manager, following her public interview the evening prior.
The decision marks a significant transition for the town’s top administrative role and concludes weeks of discussion about whether to pursue an internal or external search.
Select Board appoints Wellman
After interviewing Wellman on March 23, the Select Board voted to appoint her as the next Town Manager, and Reading’s first female Town Manager.
Wellman has been serving as Acting Town Manager since March 4 and previously held the role of Assistant Town Manager, giving her deep familiarity with ongoing town projects, operations, and staff.
Board members cited:
Her institutional knowledge of town government
Continuity during a period of major capital projects
Her experience managing day-to-day operations
Background and experience
Wellman has been a central figure in town administration, particularly during a time when Reading is advancing several high-profile initiatives, including:
The Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) and Killam projects
Downtown infrastructure improvements
Ongoing operational and budget management
Her leadership as Acting Town Manager positioned her as a known candidate to both the Board and the community.
Interview and decision process
The appointment followed a public interview on March 23, where residents had the opportunity to:
Hear Wellman’s vision for the town
Submit and ask questions
Learn more about her leadership approach
In the lead-up to the decision, Select Board members expressed differing views on the process:
Some supported moving forward with an internal candidate, citing efficiency and continuity
Others raised concerns about not conducting a broader external search
Ultimately, the Board moved forward with Wellman’s appointment.
What’s next
Wellman will transition from Acting Town Manager to the permanent role, continuing to oversee:
Implementation of Town Meeting decisions
Execution of major contracts and projects
Day-to-day operations
Details regarding her contract and formal start in the permanent role are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
Jayne Wellman’s appointment as Town Manager signals a move toward continuity and stability in Reading’s leadership, as the town navigates major projects and ongoing operations priorities.
