HAMPDEN – Serendipity is largely responsible for her new role as town manager here, according to Susan Lessard.

“That the job in Hampden, which had been closed for 15 years, should open up at the same time I was looking to move there pushes coincidence,” said Lessard, 44, who was unanimously approved by the Town Council last week and will begin work Dec. 11.

Finishing a seven-year stint as town manager in Vinalhaven, an island community near Rockland, Lessard plans a June wedding to Dr. Edwin Bruno, a podiatrist who lives in Hampden and practices in Bangor.

“I’m thrilled not only to be getting married, but because I get to continue what I love to do,” said Lessard, who has been in public service for 18 years.

Lessard was chosen from 14 applicants to replace Marie Baker who retired this fall. Lessard had an “honest, straightforward approach” that the council liked, Mayor Bill Romano said Monday.

“She was very easy to talk to, and she didn’t beat around the bush,” he said.

With an annual salary of $51,000, Lessard has an 18-month contract, including a six-month probation period.

The new town manager happily agreed to a telephone interview Monday even though she was busy winding things down at the Vinalhaven town office.

“I’m leaving copious notes everywhere,” said Lessard.

She also must leave instructions that pertain to the town manager’s residence, the Brown’s Head Lighthouse, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. A search is in progress to find a replacement for Lessard in Vinalhaven.

Her civic-mindedness may have been handed down Lessard was raised in Belfast where her stepfather was city manager and her aunt was city clerk.

With a degree in architectural engineering from Vermont Technical College, Lessard began her career as assistant town manager in Searsport.

She was later named town manager in Livermore Falls where an International Paper Co. strike made it “a difficult time for the community.”

As town manager in Fayette, Lessard steered residents through a withdrawal from the school district and the establishment of a community school; re-evaluation of property taxes; and computerization of the town books.

After dealing with those “front-burner issues,” Lessard said the controversial expansion proposed by Sawyer Environmental Recovery Facility leaves her undaunted.

Coming in without any preconceived ideas could be an asset, said Lessard, whose strong suit is helping people find common ground.

“Sometimes it becomes hard to see the forest for the trees. People have been doing their absolute best, and while I’m not suggesting I have an instant solution, I just might bring in a fresh set of eyes,” she said.

Previously involved in community planning and transportation issues for a Hallowell consulting firm, Lessard said she is looking forward to helping Hampden residents “come to a consensus on what they want in terms of business.”

“We need to diversify without losing the character of the community,” she said.

Lessard said her experience in small towns should put her in good stead. She said at one time or another she has “done most of the jobs,” including tax collector, rod commissioner, treasurer, and general assistance administrator.

“I know how things are done,” she said, but emphasized she has no intention of micromanaging.

“I’m more of a resource person for the staff in case there are questions or problems,” she said. “I can serve as a sounding board or as backup.”

With a year-round population of 1,300 that expands to 7,000 from May through November, Lessard said Vinalhaven has an eclectic group of residents

“It’s a real microcosm of everything – the seasonal population brings a rich mix of people and diversity,” she said.

But “getting back to the mainland will be a good change,” said Lessard, mother of two grown sons, one a research assistant at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor and the other a teacher in Standish.

“Trying to keep a balance between two worlds – one where I live and work and the other where my family is,” took considerable energy, she said.