Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners Select Falmouth Resident Michael M. Dutton as County Administrator
July 15, 2024 (BARNSTABLE, MA) – The Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners is pleased to announce the selection of Michael M. Dutton, JD, ICMA-CM, as Barnstable County Administrator. Michael Dutton will assume the position in the fall of 2024.
Michael Dutton, a Falmouth resident since 2013, brings over two decades of leadership experience in municipal management. Mr. Dutton’s extensive public management experience includes handling complex organizational challenges, managing personnel, personnel training and development, and labor relations. He has a track record of being an effective communicator with a presence in the community.
In addition to his municipal management experience, Mr. Dutton has an impressive resume with experience in banking, finance and as an attorney, with many years of experience working with other town managers. He has a leadership role with the Massachusetts Municipal Managers Association and is an expert on municipal and county charters.
Mr. Dutton has a strong track record working on issues facing our region, such as environmental, coastal, wastewater, affordable housing, dredging and permitting on the Cape and Islands.
As Town Manager in Bridgewater, MA for over a decade, he improved financial stability, improved bond ratings, and developed comprehensive capital improvement plans. He has overseen and directed the development of municipal master plans and visioning.
Previously, as Town Administrator for Oak Bluffs, MA, Mr. Dutton improved the town’s bond rating, initiated downtown revitalization projects, and secured significant grant funding for various projects. His legal background includes private practice specializing in estate and tax planning, municipal permitting, and land transactions. He also served in senior roles at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, managing non-operating revenue and overseeing non-clinical departments.
Mr. Dutton holds a Juris Doctor from Tulane School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Tufts University. He is an ICMA Credentialed Manager and completed the ICMA High Performance Leadership Academy. He is actively involved in professional organizations, serving on various committees for the International City/County Management Association and the Massachusetts Municipal Managers Association.
The Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners engaged Municipal Resources, Inc., an executive search firm that specializes in municipal recruitment, to lead the recruitment process. “MRI did an outstanding job recruiting a very talented and experienced pool of candidates for this position. It was a difficult decision to choose among such strong candidates. Mr. Dutton demonstrated the blend of experience and qualifications that will translate well into the position of Barnstable County Administrator,” said Ronald Bergstrom, Chair of the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners.
Mr. Dutton will succeed Beth Albert, who is retiring in October 2024 after 17 years with Barnstable County. She was appointed as County Administrator in 2021 and previously held the position of Director of Human Services since 2008.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sonja Sheasley, Communications Coordinator | (508) 375-6896 |sonja.sheasley@capecod.gov
