AMHERST NAMES NEW ASSESSOR

From amherstma.gov

Town Manager Paul Bockelman announced on Friday Jan 17, the appointment of Elizabeth A. Duffy as the new Principal Assessor for the Town of Amherst. She replaces long-time Principal Assessor David Burgess, who retired on July 12, 2019. Burgess has continued to consult with the Town on a part-time basis during the transition.

According to Bockelman, Duffy brings a distinguished career as an assessor in Connecticut to the Town of Amherst. She has been the Assessor for the Town of Windsor Locks since 2014. Prior to that she served as the Assessor in the Towns of Monroe, Middlebury, and Ellington – all in Connecticut – and chaired the Board of Assessors in the Town of Branford, Connecticut. She has been a member of the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers since 2011. Duffy has served as an expert witness in the field of real estate and business appraisal and assessment for the Superior Court and Tax and Administrative Appeals Court in Connecticut. 

Bockelman noted that the Town of Amherst is proud to have an all-female leadership team in its Finance Department. On Burgess’ departure Bockelman concluded, “David Burgess has led the Town through dozens of revaluations, tax appeals, and the adoption of the first-ever tax incentive for affordable housing. He has served the Town well for 30 years. But, more than that, David has been a leader for all staff in Town Hall where he has mentored many employees as they progressed through their careers. I will miss his Irish pluck and humor…and corn dip…which he is always welcome to bring to Town Hall potlucks!”

The Principal Assessor screening committee was chaired by the Director of Human Resources Evelyn Rivera-Riffenburg and included Ken Hargreaves and Legrand Hines from the Board of Assessors, and Town Collector Jennifer LaFountain.