WILTON — Perry Ellsworth was hired by selectmen Tuesday as new town manager and will start at the beginning of August.

He is a resident of Strong and former town manager in Rangeley and South Berwick, where he served in the role for over a decade until 2021.

He succeeds Rhonda Irish, who is retiring after 13 years in the position.

According to Selectperson Tiffany Maiuri, the town formed a hiring committee comprised of selectpersons, members of the public and Irish.

Select Board Chairman David Leavitt said the hiring committee ultimately went with Ellsworth because of his years of experience and history in project management. Leavitt said the town is undergoing three big projects: the water transmission line reconstruction, the Wilson Lake retaining-wall replacement and the Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields project at Forster Mill.

“We chose him because of his leadership on projects, to help us finish those projects off hopefully,” Leavitt said.

Maiuri said she was personally impressed by Ellsworth because “he really was able to articulate what he could bring forward to the town.”

“I think he comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience,” she said. “He is a seasoned professional.”

Leavitt said Ellsworth has a two-year contract and will receive $75,000 in his first year and $78,000 in the second.