Orange Selectboard taps HR specialist as next treasurer

By DOMENIC POLI

Staff Writer

Published: 01-29-2023 2:29 PM

ORANGE — The town’s human resources specialist and assistant treasurer is expected to take over the treasurer position after Gabriele “Gabe” Voelker retires in March.

Amber Robidoux was offered the job after the Orange Selectboard interviewed her and two other candidates at last week’s meeting. After the interviews ended and the candidates left, Selectboard Chair Jane Peirce said the three women were all lovely people but only Robidoux had the experience and training the treasurer’s job demands.

“Personally, it was an easy choice,” Peirce said before the unanimous vote to authorize Voelker, who is also town administrator, to enter into negotiations with Robidoux. Voelker plans to retire from both positions on March 3.

The other two candidates were Athol resident Becky Powell, who is employed by Johnson Controls, and Kristen Cormier, who holds an associate’s degree in administration. Cormier’s previous work experience includes handling cash deposits at a grocery store.

Selectboard member Richard Sheridan mentioned he admired the candidates’ tenacity and he knows the other two women will be successful wherever they land.

The town’s available human resources specialist position that Robidoux will be vacating is already listed on glassdoor.com.

The Selectboard asked each candidate the same questions, with Vice Chair Tom Smith and Clerk Pat Lussier attending remotely. During her interview, Robidoux explained she understands a treasurer handles all the town’s money. She said she has taken treasurer classes and is a part-time student working toward a degree in business, with a concentration in finance.

“I’m always learning,” she said.

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Robidoux told Selectboard members her colleagues would describe her as a team player who is driven, flexible and compassionate toward residents.

“If I say I’m going to call you in a week, I will call you in a week,” she said. “Even if you don’t remember why I’m calling.”

Smith chimed in to say he has personally dealt with Robidoux in Town Hall and has found her to have a knack for dealing with the public.

When offered the opportunity to pose a question to the Selectboard, Robidoux asked members about the direction they see the town going in over the next few years. Peirce said she thinks Orange is “right on the cusp of doing great things or falling on our face, honestly.”

Smith said he agrees that “there are a lot of positive things going on” and Lussier said the only way for Orange right now is up.

“There is no limit,” Lussier said.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or
413-930-4120.

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