NEW GLOUCESTER — Carrie Castonguay of Jay was hired by the Board of Selectmen to replace Town Manager Paul First, who resigned from his post on April 2. She will begin her duties May 15 at a salary of $68,000.

Castonguay held the town manager post for the town of Belgrade since March 2016. Prior to that, she was the administrative assistant for the town of Livermore since August 2014. Before that she was the director of Adult Education for 14 years for Regional School Units 73 and 61.

She is the co-owner of a commercial and residential steam carpet cleaning and commercial janitorial service.

Castonguay holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in social and behavior science and is working on a master’s degree in leadership studies at the University of Southern Maine.

Board Vice Chairman Steven Libby said selectmen were impressed with her experience and ability to manage complex tasks.

“She is very nice and we all enjoyed her,” Libby said. The interview process seemed more like a conversation, he said.

Selectman Jane Sturgis said she was impressed with Castonguay’s ability. “She was easy to talk to and no one is going to push her around,” she said.

A 32-candidate pool applied for the position with the help of Maine Municipal Association.

“Carrie brings her knowledge of day-to-day town operations, along with her budgeting knowledge, policy development and capital planning, board Chairwoman Linda Chase said.

“Her personality will fit well with our board, our employees, volunteers and our town,” Chase wrote in a news release.

Deputy Clerk Sharlene Myers is currently serving as interim town manager.