Amy DiPietro was voted in as the town’s new Council on Aging director pending contract negotiations at the October 31 Select Board meeting.

The Council on Aging has been without a formal director since February, after director Heather Sylvia resigned after serving just five months in her position. She cited a "hostile and unmanageable" work environment in her resignation letter.

Now, DiPietro is being tapped to lead the organization. She started with the Council on Aging as an outreach coordinator, and has grown her career with the organization.

"You have a great opportunity here," said Select Board Chair Stanley Mickelson. "You have a leg up on it. You've been here awhile."

Select Board Vice Chair Frank Gracie asked DiPietro for next steps. "It's a jewel for the community. I would like to see it grow if possible," he said.

DiPietro replied that she'd like to expand programming, and has already started working with state agencies and acquiring private grants to do so. "We're ready to take it to the next level," she said.

DiPietro said expanding the hours will help to reach more people.

"I think everyone is focused on the future and ready to lead it in the right direction," she said.

DiPietro is the most recent nominee, after contract negotiations with Elizabeth Connell fell through following the October 3 Select Board meeting.