KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) After nine years leading Keene’s municipal government, City Manager Elizabeth Ferland is preparing to leave the position to take on a new leadership role in Claremont.

Ferland has been selected as Claremont’s next city manager, marking the next chapter in a New Hampshire municipal career spanning 28 years. She is expected to begin the position in late February 2027, following a 90-day notice period with the City of Keene intended to allow for an orderly leadership transition.

Her departure will bring an end to nearly a decade overseeing Keene’s municipal operations, including a workforce of more than 300 employees and an annual operating budget exceeding $80 million.

During her time in Keene, Ferland has been involved in major infrastructure investments, technology improvements and renewable energy initiatives. Among the projects advancing under her leadership is a 5-megawatt municipally owned solar installation at Keene Municipal Airport, which is currently under construction.

Keene also became the first municipality in New Hampshire to establish a Community Power program during her tenure, giving residents another option for purchasing electricity.

Ferland has also worked to increase public access to information about city government through initiatives such as Keene in Focus, a podcast intended to give residents a closer look at municipal operations, ongoing projects and local government decisions.

Before arriving in Keene, Ferland served as city manager in Franklin for nine years, Plymouth for eight years and Bristol for two years. Her professional background includes accounting and municipal finance, with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility, collaboration and long-term planning.

The City of Claremont announced her selection in a press release, highlighting her experience in municipal administration, economic development, financial management and community engagement.

Claremont Mayor Dale Girard said on behalf of the City Council that Ferland’s experience and commitment to public service made her an excellent choice for the position.

Ferland also expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, noting her existing ties to Claremont and her interest in working with city officials, employees, residents and businesses.

While the announcement signals a change for Ferland professionally, it also sets the stage for a leadership transition in Keene as the city prepares for the next chapter of its municipal administration.