Joe Foti, who has served as Chelsea Department of Public Works director for many years, announced his intention to leave City Hall and accept a comparable role with the City of Peabody.
The announcement was made on Friday, with City Manager Tom Ambrosino confirming the news on Monday that another major department head will be departing since his arrival at City Hall.
“It’s a big blow to the City,” Ambrosino stated. “Joe Foti has done a good job here and had a great reputation. That was pretty evident to me as well since I’ve been here. I’m discouraged he’s leaving, but happy to hear he has a better opportunity.”
Foti’s final day of work is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30.
Following Foti’s departure, Ambrosino plans to name Andy DeSantis as interim director.
DeSantis, however, intends to retire in the coming year and has declined interest in the permanent role.
Within the next few weeks, Ambrosino indicated that a search process for a permanent director will commence.
“We’ll go back out and request resumes from qualified individuals to fill the position,” Ambrosino noted.
Foti represents the second high-ranking department head to exit City Hall in recent times.
Joe Cooney, the longtime ISD Director, departed earlier in the summer to take on a construction supervisory role within the Chelsea School Department.
Chelsea DPW Director Joe Foti announced late last week that he would be leaving
his post for a position in Peabody.
Joe McAteer, a former Chelsea employee, was recently hired to fill Cooney’s position.
Foti’s replacement is anticipated to be secured before year’s end.