Police Chief Lee Miller named Lincoln’s interim town manager

Outgoing manager Wade Schaefer leaves Sept. 18; council hires Maine Municipal Association to lead search for permanent replacement

LINCOLN, Maine — The Lincoln Town Council has appointed Police Chief Lee Miller as interim town manager while the town searches for a permanent replacement for outgoing Town Manager Wade Schaefer.

The council made the appointment at its meeting on Monday, Sept. 14, according to a statement from Miller. The appointment took effect Sept. 15.

Miller will remain police chief while he carries out the duties of interim town manager, the statement said.

Schaefer’s last day is Friday, Sept. 18. Miller said he will work with Schaefer during the transition. The statement did not say why Schaefer is leaving.

Miller thanked Schaefer for his service and said many town employees appreciated the “level-headed, supportive, and common-sense approach” Schaefer brought to the job.

“Although we are sorry to see him leave, we understand his decision and wish him the very best,” Miller said.

At the same meeting, the council authorized hiring the Maine Municipal Association to help recruit and select Lincoln’s next permanent town manager. Miller said that process is expected to take place over the coming months.

Miller said his immediate priorities are providing steady leadership, supporting town employees and maintaining the community’s confidence in town government. He said he will work with the town’s department heads and employees to keep town services running without interruption.

“During this transition, we will focus on maintaining stability, strengthening communication, and providing clear and consistent direction for Town operations,” Miller said.

The leadership change comes as the town investigates a network incident it discovered Aug. 14. In a separate statement, the town said forensic investigators have determined that some data was potentially taken from town systems, and that it is still determining whether any affected information will require official notification under data privacy laws. The town said Miller will work with officials to complete that investigation.

Lincoln Town Square has contacted Miller and Schaefer with questions about the transition and will update this story with any response.

Sources: Town of Lincoln public statements, “Statement Regarding Appointment of Interim Town Manager” and “Town of Lincoln Update Regarding Network Incident.”