by John Osborn ·
Friday, February 27, 2026
Dan Nason has resigned as Harvard’s town administrator. The Select Board learned of his decision in a letter dated Feb. 24 to board members and copied to town department heads Tuesday morning.
Nason has served as Harvard’s top administrative officer for nearly a year and a half. He began his tenure Aug. 5, 2024, after being appointed in June that year. His next review was due in March, Select Board Chair Kara Minar told the Press.
Nason’s contract requires 90 days’ notice. In his letter, he wrote that his last day would be May 25, which follows this year’s Annual Town Meeting and Town Election. “During my remaining time here,” he wrote, “I am fully committed to ensuring a smooth transition.”
In a brief office interview, Nason would not comment on his reasons for leaving, but he acknowledged he had received and accepted a job offer elsewhere. “I prefer to leave on a high note,” he said.
His page-long letter of resignation claims a range of accomplishments, from major projects such as the renovation of Ayer Road and the water connection to Devens to a range of operational improvements. “I inserted myself into the community,” he wrote, “initiated the “Conversation Café with the TA”; partnered with the school department leaders to educate the residents on the (successful) $1.3M FY2026 override; hired two assistant town administrator/human resources positions within one year; hired two DPW Directors while also serving as interim director; improved the layout, functionality, and logistics of Town Meeting; worked continually to improve the budget development process to ensure a more transparent and collaborative process; and negotiated the Police Union contract in less than five meetings.”
“I want to thank you for the opportunity to serve as Harvard’s administrator,” Nason wrote. “I have truly valued the professional growth I have experienced and the privilege of leading and supporting such a talented, professional, and dedicated team.”
Tuesday afternoon the Select Board released the following statement: “The Select Board acknowledges the resignation of Town Administrator Dan Nason and thanks him for his service to the community during his tenure in Harvard.”
“We appreciate Dan’s efforts on behalf of the Town and wish him success in his future endeavors.” The statement continues, “The Select Board remains fully committed to ensuring municipal operations run smoothly and effectively during this time of transition, and we will begin a process promptly to identify a new Town Administrator who is well suited to lead Harvard through the challenges and opportunities in the years ahead.”
In a brief phone call, Select Board Chair Kara Minar said the board would enter into executive session on Friday, Feb. 27, “to conduct a strategy session for negotiations for an interim town administrator.”