BURLINGTON — The city’s chief administrative officer, essentially the No. 2 position in city government, is planning to step down in September, the mayor announced Wednesday.
Bob Rusten joined city government with Mayor Miro Weinberger in 2013 and is widely credited with helping the mayor restore the city’s finances over the last four years.
A spokeswoman for the mayor said Rusten, 70, is looking to retire or transition into a less demanding role.
Weinberger and the city attorney are considering the possibility of Rusten staying on part time after September in a role that would allow him to continue working on collective bargaining issues and “special projects,” according to a news release. Any part-time role for Rusten would need City Council approval in the upcoming fiscal year budget, which starts in July.
Neale Lunderville, general manager of the Burlington Electric Department, will lead the search for a new chief administrative officer, according to the release. Lunderville is a veteran of former Gov. Jim Douglas’ administration and recently served on Gov. Phil Scott’s transition team.
“I am deeply grateful for the tremendous service that Bob Rusten has provided to Burlington as our CAO,” Weinberger said in a statement. “I have known this day was coming, but that does not make Bob’s departure any easier. For four years, Bob has served with dedication, precision, and good humor. Generations of Burlingtonians will benefit from the work Bob led to restore the city’s finances, strengthen its management, and responsibly steward its infrastructure.”
