Grafton Town Administrator Williams stepping down

By Cynthia Prairie
©2016 Telegraph Publishing LLC

Grafton Town Administrator Rachel Williams is leaving her position to complete her bachelor’s degree and pursue a master’s in business management and accounting in St. Albans.

Williams, 34, the mother of two elementary school-age children, has been in the post for two years.  It’s a job that involves a lot management and communication skills as well as record-keeping and diplomacy. The administrator serves at the discretion of the Select Board.

The Chester resident and Los Angeles native came to the position after serving two tours in the Coast Guard on the West Coast.

Williams said that, because Veterans Administration benefits to help her finish college are available for a short time, she felt this was the best time for her to take advantage of them.

At the time she took the Grafton post, she had been offered two private sector jobs but decided upon Grafton, she said, “because it’s a very small … close-knit, a gorgeous town, Norman Rockwell-like.” She added that the proximity to Chester was also a draw.

“We’re going to miss her,” said Grafton Select Board chair Sam Battaglino. “She’s very good at what she does.”

Williams credits her success in the post to her Coast Guard career, where she learned “orders are orders,” as well as to her approach to political minefields: “I stay out of it.”

“I love the people I work with. They’re like extended family. And I love the town’s people. This is the best job I’ve ever had. I’ve been the happiest I’ve ever been working here.”

Of her successor, Williams says, “I hope (the new administrator) loves it here like I did.” Offering a bit of advice, she adds, “Take care of my (Grafton)  family and give (the job) everything you’ve got.”

Those interested in applying for position can click here for more information.