JAY — Selectpersons voted Monday to appoint Shiloh (Ring) LaFreniere of Jay as the new town manager. They also voted to accept a 2½-year contract with her.

LaFreniere, who is the town’s code enforcement officer, was chosen from 24 applicants from around the country. She has served as code enforcement officer for 16 years. She works part-time in code enforcement and part-time in the town’s Finance Department.

The contract calls for LaFreniere to received $58,000 during her six-month probationary period. On July 1, her salary will increase to $60,000 and on July 1, 2015, it will go to $62,000, Chairman Steve McCourt said.

LaFreniere, who will turn 39 on Jan. 16, will officially begin her duties on Feb. 24. She will work with Town Manager Ruth Cushman until that time to learn the town manager’s duties, LaFreniere said.

Cushman will retire after 12 years as Jay’s town manager.

LaFreniere grew up in Jay and is a 1992 graduate of Jay High School. She attended Liberty University in Virginia.

She said she is very honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as town manager and looks forward to her continuing work with the community, town employees and the Board of Selectpersons, she said.

The best part, she said, is knowing that she will have the support of Cushman and the support of experienced employees and department heads to work with.

LaFreniere and her husband, Ross, have four children between them.

dperry@sunjournal.com