H.R Director Appointed Despite Not Meeting Advertised Job Requirements [with video]

Selectmen ratified town Manager Mark Haddad's appointment of Melissa Doig of Ashby to fill the vacant position of town Human Resources Director. Introducing Ms. Doig, Town Manager Haddad said she had worked for the town of Ayer for 16 years and had withstood a detailed background investigation by the police and "came out shining."

Prior to unanimously ratifying Melissa Doig's appointment to the $72,000 position of H.R. Director, Selectman Degen questioned whether Ms. Doig met the minimal requirements of the position as advertised, noting that the job advertisement required candidates to hold a bachelor's, noting that Ms. Doig does not hold the required degree - a bachelor's degree. Despite saying he could support her candidacy if she committed to obtaining the degree, she never answered, and he voted for her appointment anyway.

Town Manager Haddad acknowledged that the job as advertised did not match the job description, saying that although the candidate did not meet the minimal advertised job, she met the requirements of the job description - requirements allowing substitution of a degree for equivalent practical experience. Town Manager Haddad acknowledged that "there was a disconnect between the advertisement and the job description" and apologized.