by Julie Gowel ·
Friday, March 27, 2026
Eric Ryder, the Department of Public Works director, continues to implement changes by hiring a director of operations and promoting one of its longtime employees into the vacant role of working foreman. Beginning the week of March 16, Michael Matterazzo, of Framingham, stepped into the newly created operations role with a salary of $85,280. At the same time, 17-year Harvard DPW veteran Larry Allard, of Ashby, stepped into the foreman position, at a salary of $84,552, as part of a broader effort to strengthen day-to-day operations.
DPW Director Eric Ryder said the additions help clarify structure within the department while ensuring consistent oversight both in the office and in the field.
“Mike is overseeing all the crews in day-to-day operations,” said Ryder. “He’ll be handling some of the winter operations along with myself. I’m in meetings a lot and not always able to be out in the field, so Mike will be there in my absence.”
Ryder noted that the department’s leadership now consists of himself, Matterazzo, and Allard, supported by nine additional employees including drivers, laborers, and mechanics. The goal, he said, is to ensure both operational efficiency and responsiveness to residents.
Matterazzo joins Harvard with both municipal and private-sector experience, most recently working as a hydrovac operator after serving as a lead operator and acting foreman in Ashland. He said he was drawn to the position after seeing it posted on a municipal job board and quickly developed an interest in the town during the interview process.
Mike Matterazzo. (Photos by Lisa Aciukewicz)
“I met Dawn [Dunbar, interim town administrator] and Eric during the interview, drove around town, and really liked what I saw,” he said. “My aunt actually helps maintain the snowmobile trails here, so I had some familiarity with the community. When they offered me the position, I was excited. I’m looking forward to helping build what I’d call a ‘gold standard’ DPW.”
In his first weeks on the job, Matterazzo has already begun implementing systems to improve transparency and efficiency. He has created detailed work logs to track daily operations and is working with Ryder to develop a comprehensive street inventory that includes road lengths, surfaces, and measurements to support future maintenance projects.
Matterazzo said his personal and work experience allow him to feel confident in his ability to serve as operations manager. “I grew up working with my father and grandfather in construction,” he said. “I’ve been doing this most of my life. It’s really about building relationships and understanding how people work. I don’t want to be behind the scenes. I want to be boots on the ground, meeting residents, putting a face to the name.”
He added that he hopes to grow alongside the community and establish himself as a long-term presence in Harvard. “I’m looking to stick around,” he said. “I’m here to grow with the town and make a positive impact.”
Outside of work, Matterazzo lives in Framingham with his wife, Amanda, and their two young children, Gianna and Zachary. In his limited free time, he enjoys deep-sea fishing, trips to the Maine coast, and running a small business installing emergency lighting for fire, police, and construction vehicles.
Allard, who has been with the Harvard DPW for nearly two decades, steps into the foreman role with deep institutional knowledge and a strong connection to the community.
“I appreciate the faith they’ve put in me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Allard said. “I enjoy working here, it’s a beautiful town, and the people have always been great and very supportive.”
He said his primary goal is to serve as a bridge between staff and management while helping maintain a positive and productive work environment.
“Hopefully I can have a voice for the crew and help tie things together,” he said. “When everyone works together and communicates, the results are better, people are happier, and the work reflects that.”
Allard acknowledged that staffing challenges and turnover have been ongoing issues but said the department is now moving in a positive direction.
“We’re getting closer to where we need to be in terms of staffing and having the right licenses,” he said. “Other towns are competitive, and people come and go, but I think we’re in a good place right now.”
Allard pointed to winter operations as a key challenge, particularly this past winter. He said he believed the department performed well this season and is building on that momentum. Looking ahead, he said he is most focused on leadership, safety, and maintaining strong communication across the department.
“The town is the priority,” Allard said. “Residents deserve to be proud of the work we do, and I’ll do everything I can to make sure we deliver that.”
A resident of Ashby, Allard enjoys skiing, fishing, and other outdoor activities. One of his favorite fishing spots is Nauset Beach on Cape Cod, where he once caught a 62-pound striped bass.
He said one of the highlights of working in Harvard is simply being part of the landscape. “It’s a privilege to spend my days here,” he said. “It’s a beautiful town, and I’m proud to be part of it.”