As the search for outgoing Town Administrator David Cressman’s replacement continues, a consulting firm hired by the town is whittling away at a list of nearly 50 potential applicants.

Applications for the position closed on February 5. MRI, a consulting firm hired by the town, received 49 applications for the position, according to Select Board Chair Frank Gracie.

Those applying came from as far away as Canada, Hawaii, and Florida. A majority of the applicants are in the New England area.

MRI plans to reduce the pool to 25 applicants who will then complete a written questionnaire. After additional cuts, the aim is to have 8-10 candidates to pass along to a committee of current and former town officials to narrow down the top three candidates to interview before the full Select Board.

Gracie said the hope is to have a suitable candidate on board by June.

“There’s a lot of moving parts, and it depends on when MRI gives us the list of 8-10 semi-finalists,” he said, adding that scheduling interviews could also be difficult.

Cressman’s last day on the job was February 16. He announced his retirement last year, citing his desire to be closer to his family on the North Shore.

After his last day, Director of Finance Greg Barnes and Deborah Melino-Wender took over as interim town administrators. Barnes is currently at the helm, while Melino-Wender is currently out but is anticipated to return soon.