Conservation administrator Kim Ciaramicoli talks at a recent Conservation Commission meeting.

Conservation Administrator Kim Ciaramicoli announced at the Aug. 20 Conservation Commission meeting that she has resigned after more than three years in the position.

“After much reflection, I have decided to step down from my role as the Conservation Administrator,” she wrote in an email to the Independent on Aug. 22. “This decision was not made lightly, as serving this vibrant and supportive community has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career.

“During my tenure, I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated colleagues and engaged citizens, all committed to improving the town of Hopkinton,” she continued. “Together, we have tackled challenges, celebrated successes, and made strides towards a brighter future for all.”

Ciaramicoli is taking a job at an engineering firm in the Boston area. Her last day was set for Aug. 29, but she has offered to provide support to the town during the transition period.

She noted that the Conservation Commission’s decisions directly affect residents, even if they are not cognizant of it.

“The work of the Conservation Commission often goes unnoticed, but its impact is deeply felt,” stated Ciaramicoli. “The decisions of the Conservation Commission play a direct role in community climate resilience and quality of life for the residents of the town.”

At the last meeting, Conservation Commission members asked her to attend a September meeting in person or a private celebration to thank her for her work. She likewise wanted to express her gratitude to them for their reciprocal dedication to protecting Hopkinton’s natural resources.

“I want to take this opportunity to personally thank the Conservation Commission for their hard work, professionalism, and the countless hours invested in ensuring the community thrives,” Ciaramicoli stressed. “Your contributions are greatly appreciated, and the Town of Hopkinton is very fortunate to have such a dedicated commission working on its behalf.”

Added Ciaramicoli: “As I transition to my next chapter in the private sector, I remain optimistic about the future of the town and confident in the continued dedication of those who will carry forward the work I’ve started. I look forward to seeing the positive changes and achievements that lie ahead.”

Town manager speaks about Ciaramicoli’s impact

Town Manager Elaine Lazarus commended Ciaramicoli for her professionalism, expertise and work ethic.

“I think we’ve all enjoyed working with Kim in Town Hall,” Lazarus said. “She is a wonderful resource and is very professional. Her technical knowledge is amazing.”

She added that everyone will miss “the dynamic energy she brought to the role.”

Lazarus, who also has served as assistant town manager and director of the town’s Land Use Department over the past two decades, has first-hand knowledge of the qualities that make a conservation administrator effective. One example she gave of Ciaramicoli’s expertise was the way she handled issues that have arisen with The Trails, a development project now in its fourth phase, that has been plagued with stormwater management problems over the past few years.

“One of the biggest challenges she handled was working with The Trails development,” Lazarus said. “She worked with them on stormwater management issues, pointing out where the design needed to be changed. She was able to work with the applicant, the Conservation Commission and Town Hall and navigate some difficult issues.”

Ciaramicoli was able to balance working with developers and the commission while doing extensive work out in the field, she added.

Ciaramicoli’s departure comes on the heels of the resignation of Jeff Barnes, the longtime chair of the Conservation Commission. While Lazarus admitted that this makes the situation a bit challenging, she spoke of the important work the Conservation Commission has done to protect Hopkinton’s open space while simultaneously allowing carefully planned development.

Said Lazarus: “It’s heartening to hear that, although the commission is sad about Jeff and Kim leaving, the members are optimistic about the future. People find opportunities for advancement, and then new people come in and add their skills.”

Ciaramicoli will be helping the commission during her transition, Lazarus confirmed. Ciaramicoli said at the Aug. 20 meeting that she plans on attending both meetings in September.

The conservation administrator position was posted on Aug. 22.

Added Lazarus: “This is an important position, so we would like to have it filled as soon as possible.”

Barnes’s resignation leaves a vacancy on the Conservation Commission. Lazarus said that an announcement will be issued soon, but interested people can apply via the application on the town website.

“If anyone is interested, they should feel free to call Kim or Anna [Rogers] to ask questions about what is involved in the role and the time commitment involved,” she said. Rogers is the town’s environmental and inspectional services coordinator who works closely with Ciaramicoli and the Conservation Commission.

“The work that the Conservation Commission is does is so important to our community,” Lazarus stressed, “whether it’s about individual lots or larger developments. The preservation of open space is crucial to the town.”