May 14, 2014:  The Bronxville Board of Trustees, in a unanimous vote at its May 12 meeting, affirmed the appointment of James M. Palmer, the current Mount Kisco village manager, as Bronxville village administrator effective June 23. Palmer will succeed Harold Porr, who retired from the position in March, and will assume responsibilities from Donald Marra, who has served as interim village administrator since Porr's retirement.

Palmer comes to Bronxville with over 20 years of experience in Mount Kisco. Prior to becoming village manager, a position he has held for six years, Palmer served as assistant village manager and tax assessor. He also worked for the village as a building inspector and as human resources manager.

During Palmer's tenure as village manager, he administered construction of a new village library and directed the conversion of village street lighting from incandescent to LED fixtures.

"I think Jim knows the job from top to bottom," Mayor Mary Marvin said in congratulating Palmer. "He has fabulous interpersonal skills, and I consider us very lucky to have him."

In remarks to the trustees, Palmer noted that the search process was a positive experience for him. "It's clear how dedicated you are to the community," he said. "By any standard, Bronxville is vibrant and wonderful. I've always had positive memories when I have come here."

Palmer visited village hall last week to meet village personnel and take a tour of the offices and facilities.

Deputy Mayor Robert Underhill pointed out that Palmer will join the village at a critical time, with the ongoing construction at Lawrence Hospital Center and the development of the Kensington Road project due to begin this summer. "We are at the cusp of making permanent, lasting, and very important changes to this community," Underhill said.

Underhill commended Donald Marra, former Irvington village administrator and former Dobbs Ferry mayor, for his work in coordinating the search process, which drew great interest from potential candidates from across the country. The trustees interviewed 20 candidates for the position.

Marra remarked that this professional search, "my sixth or seventh search for an administrator or manager in the county," was one of the most thorough he has been involved in.

Trustee Anne W. Poorman, tasked with consulting Palmer's references, stated, "I was stunned and thrilled with the uniformly high praise he was given as an administrator and as a person." She said that, although the search process was rigorous, it was worth the effort and time involved.

Marra will continue in his position as interim village administrator until Palmer officially assumes his duties. Mayor Marvin expressed thanks to Marra for his service to the village during a time of significant transition in senior village leadership.

Palmer, who will supervise the day-to-day operations of the village, as well as advise the board of trustees on the village's financial condition and its future financial needs and report to the board on village affairs, will receive an annual base salary of $170,000, plus benefits.

The Bronxville Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, June 9, at 8:00 pm in the trustees room at village hall.

Pictured here:  James M. Palmer, whose appointment as Bronxville village administrator was just affirmed and who will assume duties on June 23.

Photo by Carol Bartold