GRANBY— The town will officially welcome Tammy Martin as its new town administrator on June 2 after a long wait and search for Christopher Martin’s replacement.

“She loves to drive out this way and she feels like her vision of a small town is more aligned with our vision of a small town,” Select Board Chair Crystal Dufresne said about Tammy Martin during a Feb. 27 meeting. “I felt the conversation we had is very truthful and transparent and I feel she would do a good job in Granby if given the opportunity.”

In a related matter, the Select Board in mid-March reinstated Chris Martin — who has no relation to Tammy Martin — to serve as interim town administrator on March 17 until Tammy Martin starts. Chris Martin left the position in January, and the town’s contract with Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to supply an interim town administrator expired earlier this month. Martin was brought back to help guide the town through the fiscal 2026 budget season.

The Select Board decided to not move forward with contract negotiations with the board’s first pick for the position, Michael Durham, and rescinded the job offer on Feb. 13. No other explanation was disclosed at the meeting.

Tammy Martin currently serves as the town administrator of Barre. During her interview with the Select Board on Feb. 20, she explained that she started her career as a bank teller and rose to branch administrator, managing seven of the bank’s branches.

Martin became interested in municipal politics when her daughter began working for a public access television station and applied to be an assessor in Warren. She has also served as a town accountant, clerk and town administrator.

“I love being a town administrator because I get to wear all those hats and be part of the community,” she said during her interview. “I like to see things grow and partake in anything I can involving the community.”

When the board asked about her leadership style, Martin said she’s direct, but very collaborative. When there are issues within her staff, she facilitates communication rather than allowing interpersonal problems to fester. In her currently position in Barre, she holds monthly meeting with each department head to keep updated on town finances and outline goals for each department.

“I believe everything should be transparent and open book,” she said. “If somebody comes into my office and wants to look at something, as long as it’s not confidential, it’s right there. It’s pure access.”

Select Board members Glenn Sexton and David Labonte both highlighted Martin’s personable attitude and excitement to get out into the community. They also appreciated her knowledge and expertise on municipal government.

“I do think she was very straightforward, very honest and wants to involve the people in town and inform them to the best of her ability,” Labonte said.

As for her vision for Granby, Martin said she wants to hear ideas from residents and bring their desires to fruition. She sees all departments as equally important in the public safety and health of the community, and hopes to strengthen the schools, fire and police departments, and the Department of Public Works.

“We want to be a destination. We want people to say ‘I want to go to Granby,” she said.

Emilee Klein can be reached at eklein@gazettenet.com.