Ells Ready to Take Reigns as Barnstable Town Manager

CCB MEDIA: FILE PHOTO
Barnstable Assistant Town Manager Mark Ells talks at a meeting of the Day Center Steering Committee.

HYANNIS – Barnstable is transitioning to new leadership after Assistant Town Manager Mark Ells was tapped by the town council to replace Town Manager Tom Lynch.

The council voted unanimously for Ells over three other finalists on Saturday.

“I was honored that they considered me as a finalist,” Ells said. “And I am certainly excited and looking forward to this opportunity.”

Ells has worked for the town for 27 years including his current stint as assistant town manager and previously as the director of public works.

Ells said his experience working for the town is a benefit heading into the future.

“I believe that knowing our community and knowing its seven villages provides a huge benefit for us to be able to understand and move forward in a positive direction,” he said.

Ells applauded the town council for how they conducted the search process for the position.

“I’m glad that they took the time to look at candidates,” he said. “Barnstable…deserves the best individual to be able to serve this community.”

Ells said the town is positioned well financially and is able to tackle issues like homelessness and substance abuse.

“Fortunately we have a very innovative and progressive community and leadership in Barnstable,” he said.

According to Ells, Lynch was happy that Ells was able to move up the ranks within the town all the way to town manager.

“Tom has been very supportive of me and I greatly appreciated him choosing me as the assistant town Manager,” Ells said. “He was pleased to see this happen.”

Ells takes over as Town Manager on July 1 after Lynch’s contract expires on June 30.

By BRIAN MERCHANT, CapeCod.com NewsCenter