PORTLAND — Patricia Finnigan, the city’s assistant manager, will become acting manager next month when Joe Gray retires from the position.

The selection of Finnigan was announced this monring by Mayor Nicholas Mavodones, who said the council will make the pick official at its Jan. 19 meeting. Finnigan’s appointment will be effective Feb. 11, Gray’s last day after serving as city manager for the past decade.

Finnigan joined the city as assistant manager three years ago and has been a liaison with state and federal officials while also helping to reorganize Portland’s economic development efforts. Mavadones said she also played a key role in nailing down financing for the Ocean Gateway International Marine Terminal and in securing federal stimulus funds.

Prior to working for Portland, Finnigan was city manager of Auburn and before that worked for the Maine Municipal Association, served on the Bangor City Council and was a reporter for WVII television in Bangor.

Before formally appointing Finnigan later this month, the council will hold a workshop to discuss the search process for a new city manager. Mavadones has suggested conducting a national search with help from a consulting firm, providing an opportunity for public input and setting a goal of hiring a new manager within six months.
 

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