By Christopher Scott, cscott@lowellsun.com
LOWELL -- The head of public access television in nearby North Andover has been chosen as the new executive director of the Lowell Telecommunications Corp., it was announced yesterday.
Eleanor L. Pye, currently executive director of North Andover Community Access & Media, will take over in mid-June.
Pye will replace Robert Haigh, who resigned last Nov. 15, citing a recent marriage, the celebration of his 50th birthday and his desire for a job with a retirement plan. He had been the agency's executive director since March 2003.
According to LTC's 2006 tax filings, Haigh was paid $82,504 a year and was given a $4,811 expense account. Pye's salary, The Sun has learned, will be in the $50,000-$70,000 range.
Pye, 37, who is married and a mother to two young children, said she's looking forward to her new position and anxious to immerse herself in Lowell's diversity.
Before working in North Andover, Pye worked at Somerville Community Access Television since 1998, rising from membership director to executive director.
"I've always considered myself a city girl," said Pye, who lives in Woburn with her family. "So I'm really looking forward to working in Lowell. There's a really good vibe going on up there."
Pye said her priority is to meet with LTC employees -- who she was careful to identify as "co-workers" -- to hear their concerns and ideas.
"I am certainly in no position to say I'm going to do this or do that," said Pye. "Even though I hold the executive director's title, I consider everyone who works at the LTC as my co-workers. I'm anxious to talk about their ideas and concerns."
In North Andover, Pye oversaw an operation with two full-time employees and three or four part-timers, and a budget of about $250,000. The LTC employs six full-timers and four part-timers, with an annual budget of about $700,000.
Richard Howe Jr., chairman of LTC's board of directors, said he's "very impressed" with Pye.
"She's got great credentials," said Howe. "She started out in Somerville, which is pretty reputable outfit, then it was on to North Andover, so she has a pretty broad range of experience. I'm very happy with her hiring. She has a very nice personality."
Pye also holds master's and bachelor's degrees in mass communication, both from Emerson College.
Applications for the job were due March 20. The LTC received 25 applications.
This story appeared in the Lowell Sun on Saturday, May 17, 2008