Select Board Taps Byrd as Interim Town Manager

Select Board · Meeting of August 26, 2026

Ashland's Select Board unanimously named Assistant Town Manager Catherine Byrd as interim town manager, filling the vacancy left by outgoing Town Manager Michael, whose resignation took effect September 1. Board members, including Joe Magnani and Yolanda, opted against an outside hire, with Magnani saying it avoided "taking time to re-educate an outside person who already doesn't know what's happening." Byrd, previously assistant town manager for administration and operations, said she "would be honored to serve the town of Ashland" in the role for an expected four to six months. The board also decided against hiring an outside search consultant, estimated at roughly $20,000, for the permanent-manager search, instead capping a screening committee at nine members and targeting a January hire.

Separately, the board approved night paving work on Union, Fountain and Prospect streets and endorsed Ashland's Open Space and Recreation Plan after a favorable regional review.

In the full story:

• Warren Woods Stewardship Update
• Interim Town Manager Appointment
• Permanent Town Manager Search Process
• MAPC Open Space and Recreation Plan Letter
• Special Town Meeting Reminder and Warrant Deadlines
• DPW Night Paving Work Approval
• DCR Land Acquisition Notice
• Tri-Board Meeting Planning
• Committee Reappointments and Consent Agenda
• Water Restriction Extension Authority
• Liaison Updates
• Board Member Reports
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 3,725 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of August 26, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript. It was corrected where it differed.