After years of searching, the Hudson Board of Selectmen has officially appointed a new Town Planner – and this time, they didn’t have to look far. At their most recent meeting, the Board unanimously selected Brooke Dubowik, a lifelong Hudson resident and Alvirne High School graduate, to take on the role.
Earlier this year, the Board had chosen a different candidate for the position, but plans fell through when he was unable to relocate.
“It is unfortunate that our selected candidate withdrew due to reasons that prevented him from relocating from Colorado. He would have been starting next Monday, June 30,” Town Administrator Roy Sorenson wrote in an email to the Hudson Times at the time.
Despite conducting another nationwide search, the Town ultimately found its ideal candidate close to home.
Board of Selectmen Chair Dillon Dumont explained that the search drew over 20 applicants from across the country. Seven advanced to the first round of interviews, and Dubowik was among the few selected for a second round, which included an interview with the Town Planner Interview Committee.
As part of the process, Dubowik also completed a practical essay – an assignment required of all finalists in both the current and previous searches.
Throughout the process, Dumont said Dubowik stood out as the “most qualified candidate.”
During the meeting, Dubowik expressed her gratitude to her family and colleagues “for the encouragement and the support they provided along the way.”
A proud Hudson native, Dubowik shared that both she and her husband are graduates of the Hudson school system.
“After college, we returned to Hudson and settled in one of our neighborhoods,” she said. “We now have two wonderful daughters. They’re here with me tonight, along with my husband, Tim.”
Dubowik brings over a decade of experience to the role, having served as the administrative aide to the Town Planner for more than 10 years.
“During that time, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside three Town Planners, and I’ve gained valuable experience and insight into the planning process,” she said.
She also noted that during transitions between Town Planners, she provided consistent support to both the Planning Board and Hudson residents.
Now stepping into the lead role, Dubowik said she is committed to preserving Hudson’s “unique character” and serving with “honesty, transparency, and respect.”
She added that part of her motivation is to set an example for her daughters about the importance of public service and giving back to the community.
“I look forward to continuing to serve the Town,” she said.
Town Administrator Roy Sorenson praised Dubowik for her steady presence in the department.
“There’s been a lot of movement there,” Sorenson said. “I would say maybe even some instability, but she’s been kind of stable over there ever since. So, there’s a lot to thank her for…and I think she’s ready to move on to this next big step in her career. And I have complete confidence that she can fulfill that role for this community.”
