New town manager appointed in Southwest Harbor

SOUTHWEST HARBOR, Maine — Southwest Harbor will have a new manager at its helm this September. Last night, the Select Board appointed Karen Reddersen to the position. She will replace Marilyn Lowell.

According to Select Board Chair Carolyn Ball, Reddersen will begin on Sept. 18. She will be employed under a three-year contract.

A statement from the town reads, “She brings experience supervising, managing, and mentoring employees, as well as strategic planning, budgeting, and procurement experience.”

Last October, Lowell said she was retiring. She has been the town manager since 2021 and shepherded the town before that time as its town clerk. Lowell has worked for the town of Southwest Harbor for over 10 years. She retires Sept. 30.

Reddersen is the extension director for the University of Maryland. She manages 40 staff and faculty members there.

“She also works closely and partners with state, federal, and non profit organizations,” the town wrote. “She is experienced with grant writing and reporting, an asset she will use as town manager.”

Reddersen also worked as Assistant Director of Internal Services for the city of Salisbury, Maryland. Before that, she was a management analyst at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland. She also has experience in human resources. She holds a master of science degree in business from the University of Maryland.

She currently owns property in Southwest Harbor. Ball said that it’s been years since a town manager has also lived in the town. The town issued a statement to that effect. The last was Ken Minier. Reddersen and her husband have two adult children. One is in college.

Reddersen’s appointment came after an executive session during the two-hour meeting. Lowell will overlap her time with Reddersen to help with the transition.

This story was originally published by The Bar Harbor Story . To receive regular coverage from the Bar Harbor Story, sign up for a free subscription here .