OLD TOWN – The city has hired a former Georgia-Pacific Corp. employee as its new finance director, replacing Joe Schlick, who retired earlier this year.

Michael Swenson, former senior accountant at the mill, said that when his position was eliminated with the Old Town mill’s closure, he was ready for a change. Swenson began working for the mill when it was owned by Diamond International Corp. and had been working there 33 years when the facility shut down.

“My job was eliminated in June, and this position opened up,” Swenson said Wednesday.

In his new position, he’ll be responsible for the accounting for the city, including preparing the annual budget and getting it printed.

“The accounting is a little different,” Swenson said, comparing his new position with his previous mill job. “The debits have to equal the credits in both sectors, but it’s a little different. I really can’t compare and contrast the two very well at this point.”

Swenson began his new duties Sept. 18 and is working with Schlick to help him through the transition. Swenson’s previous accounting experience has prepared him well for the job, and City Manager Peggy Daigle said she’s excited to have him as part of the city staff.

“I’ve done everything,” Swenson said.

Swenson has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business from Husson College in Bangor.

He lives in Orono with his wife, Beverly Peterson. They have four children and eight grandchildren.