Westwood DPW Director Stepping Down in June

In the summer of 2010, Westwood welcomed Vicki Quiram on board as the town's . Now, less than two years later, Quiram will be leaving her post. 

"It's with a whole lot of sadness that I leave this position," Quiram told the Westwood Board of Selectmen Monday night, when she announced her resignation. "This has been a wonderful, fabulous place to work."

Quiram, who said she wasn't actively seeking a position elsewhere, will wrap up her time in Westwood on June 15, and shortly thereafter take her position as the assistant commissioner of New Hampshire's Department of Environmental Services. The opportunity, she said, simply arose, and it was one she couldn't look past.

"Westwood's loss is the State of New Hampshire's gain," Selectmen Chair Pat Ahearn said Monday. 

Selectmen Clerk Nancy Hyde and Third Member Phil Shapiro reiterated those statements, each commending Quiram for her work in the last two years. 

"It feels like you came here yesterday, but it's been a great two years," Hyde said. "It obviously speaks to how well regarded you are in your industry."

Added Shapiro, "I do really want to thank you for everything you've done for the town. I think it's been very proactive, far-reaching and it's had a great impact. Now it's all our collective responsibility to keep that momentum going."

That momentum is something Quiram, Highway and Grounds Superintendent Operations Manager Todd Korchin and Deputy Director of Public Works Chris Gallagher said is not about to cease.

"I know the momentum will continue," Quiram said. "There's just too much going for this place [...] It's about the people that work for the public works, and I know it's going to continue. I'm very pleased to be able to go knowing that."

Said Korchin about Quiram, "She created a tremendous amount of momentum within our department. We can assure you that momentum is going to stay the course." 

Quiram traveled across the country to Westwood from Ventura, California, where, as a member of that community's DPW, she oversaw wastewater treatment plants, street work, and facilities and storm water operations.

But Westwood, she said, has left quite an impression on her in the last two years.

"What I've never seen before is the volunteers that work on the boards and commissions and committees, and their dedication and their brilliance in what they do and the questions they ask, and how it challenges you," Quiram said. "This is a very special place to be."

The DPW and town officials will work with Quiram during the next two months on a transition phase until a new director has been selected.