Select Board Elects New Chair, Approves Appointment of New Chief Innovation Officer

ANDOVER, MA – The Andover Select Board met on Monday, April 22 at the Andover Public School Administrative Offices. The Board conducted its annual reorganization, electing members to serve in the positions of Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk. Laura Gregory was unanimously elected to serve as Chair for a one-year term that will begin following Town Meeting.

In significant personnel news, the Select Board approved the appointment of Ryan Knowles to the position of Chief Innovation Officer and Director of Technology. He will succeed Paul Puzzanghera as the head of Andover’s IT Department, which is responsible for managing the technology resources for the Town and Andover Public Schools. Knowles is an accomplished IT professional who currently serves as the City of Gloucester’s Director of Information Systems.

The Board also considered and voted to approve a series of alcoholic beverage licenses pertaining to outdoor dining, the opening of a new establishment, and a beer garden at an upcoming community event.

Election of Chair, other Officers
The Select Board conducted its annual reorganization, electing new officers following the March 26 Town Election. Laura Gregory was elected to serve as Chair of the Select Board and will assume the position following Annual Town Meeting. Gregory has served on the Board since 2017 and previously served one term as Chair from 2019 to 2020. She will replace Melissa Danisch, who is concluding a one-year term in the role. 

The Board elected Alex Vispoli to serve as Vice Chair, and Ellen Townson to serve as Clerk. Their one-year terms in these positions will also begin following Annual Town Meeting in May.  

Appointment of Chief Information Officer
The Select Board confirmed the appointment of Ryan Knowles to the position of Chief Innovation Officer and Director of Technology. Knowles will succeed Paul Puzzanghera, who has led the Town of Andover’s Information Technology Department for over a decade. Puzzanghera announced in January of this year that he would leave the position of Chief Information Officer, but will remain with the Town in a scaled-back role focused on internal projects, systems, and processes. The title of Knowles’ position was modified when the Town initiated the search for Puzzanghera’s replacement to reflect the evolving responsibilities of the role. 

Knowles was introduced to the Board by Town Manager Andrew Flanagan during Monday’s meeting. According to Flanagan, Knowles emerged as a standout candidate during a rigorous search process based on his wealth of knowledge in the technology sector and experience in both municipal and private sector technology positions. Knowles has most recently served as the Director of Information Systems for the City of Gloucester, a position he has held since 2020. In Gloucester, he spearheaded various technology initiatives that resulted in enhanced performance, cost savings, process refinements, and increased resident engagement. 

“He not only understands the needs of a municipality and how to lead a department, but how technology can improve our ability to provide services to our residents” said Flanagan in introducing Knowles to the Board. 

Importantly, Knowles has extensive expertise in the area of cybersecurity, a competency that was emphasized during the assessment process that led to his selection. He currently holds the cybersecurity seat on the Northeast Homeland Security Regional Advisory Council.

As Chief Innovation Officer and Director of Technology, Knowles will lead Andover’s 20-employee IT Department, which is responsible for managing all Town and school technology resources. Knowles will begin his new role on May 20, 2024. 

Other Notes

• The Select Board approved amendments to alcoholic beverage licenses for LaRosa’s and 34 Park that will enable both establishments to continue offering outdoor dining in spaces adjacent to the restaurants. The Board also approved the transfer of an alcoholic beverage license to Monica’s Mithai Café & Bar, a new establishment opening at 16 Post Office Avenue specializing in Indian desserts. Finally the Board granted a one-day liquor license for Oak & Iron Brewing Co. to operate a beer garden during Clown Town.
• The Board approved a consent agenda containing several appointments by the Town Manager, including the appointment of Michael Oteri as Deputy Chief in the Andover Fire Rescue Department. Oteri will fill the Deputy position vacated by Kyle Murphy, who is transition to the role of Fire Chief. He has served as a Lieutenant in the Department since 2021. 

The full meeting can be viewed online through AndoverTV. The Board is scheduled to meet next on Monday, April 29 prior to Annual Town Meeting.