NORTHAMPTON — After 35 years of service, Joe Cook is retiring as the city of Northampton’s chief procurement officer, as the position becomes a part of the newly-created Climate Action and Project Administration Department.
A native of Arkansas, Cook moved to the Massachusetts town of Harvard when he was in high school and later attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst before attending law school at the University of Cincinnati. Cook then returned to the Pioneer Valley, working as the assistant city solicitor under then-city solicitor Kathleen Fallon in 1987.
In an interview with the Gazette, Cook said he took pride in the fact that the city never had any legal issues with regards to implementing and administering the purchasing policies and practices of the city. He credited his legal background and the competency of the five mayors he served under in working with him.
“They [the mayors] knew what I was talking about, and supported doing things the right way,” he said. “It’s been a real privilege to say Northampton is a great place, and it was my privilege to help keep it that way.”
In a release put out by the city, Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra thanked Cook for his many years of service for the city.
“As an attorney, Joe brought a unique set of skills to city procurement and an unparalleled historical memory about city projects thanks to his long service,” Sciarra said. “As I took office, it was immediately apparent how sincerely Joe held the city’s interests in every contract negotiation and how well he has served the people of Northampton in his role. Joe will be missed.”
Cook, 63, is eligible for the maximum retirement benefit, which he said factored in his decision to retire. But he said he wasn’t opposed to the prospect of doing procurement work part time for towns that might need it.
“There’s 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts,” he said. “I figure that somebody has to be in between chief procurement officers at all times.”
Cook will be replaced by William Coffey, who was introduced by the mayor at last week’s City Council meeting. Coffey, a Westhampton native with a background in waste management and environmental science, told the council he would approach the position with the concept of “profiting with purpose.”
“I feel like that ethos profitable purpose is very aligned with the community and values of Northampton,” he said. “But mostly, my current focus is just trying to understand everything I can about the role from Joe Cook.”
Cook said he was confident that Coffey would be able to handle the role, which under the mayor’s new CAPA department will be overseen by a director-level position that ensures the city’s procurements meet its climate-related goals.
“He’s got a steep learning curve, but he’s very bright and very focused,” said Cook about Coffey. “He definitely will get this down and be effective, and he will have the support of the mayor’s office.”
Alexander MacDougall can be reached at amacdougall@gazettenet.com.
