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AUBURN – Peter Crichton, who has served as Auburn’s city manager since Aprii 2017, has announced he will retire at the end of June. In early March, the city council will take action to appoint Phillip L. Crowell Jr. as his replacement.
Crichton’s 35-year professional life has been dedicated to public service. He began his career in municipal government in his hometown of Mars Hill as the community’s first Economic Community Development Director. He then spent 10 years with the City of Lewiston, first as administrator of Lewiston Public Works, then as assistant city administrator. Prior to assuming his current position, Crichton managed Cumberland County for 18 years.
“It has truly been a privilege and honor for me to serve the City of Auburn,” said Crichton, who lives in Windham “I have been proud to work as part of this amazing team.”
Crowell has served as assistant city manager since August 2018, when he retired after serving the Auburn Police Department for 25 years, the last 12 as chief of police.
“I have enjoyed working side-by-side with Phil during my time here, and I am deeply impressed with his outstanding leadership qualities,” said Crichton. “He is a son of Auburn, and he cares deeply for this community. I have confidence that Auburn will be in excellent hands with Phil Crowell at the helm. He is a rare and gifted leader.”
Crowell is a lifelong resident of Auburn, who began his law enforcement career in 1986, during his service as a military police officer in the U.S. Army. He joined the Auburn Police Department as a patrol officer in 1993. In 2006, he was promoted to chief of police.
Crowell has numerous local board affiliations, including Auburn PAL, Promise Early Education Center, Androscoggin Home Healthcare + Hospice, and the Maine Chiefs of Police Association. Most recently, he spearheaded the City of Auburn’s Strategic Planning process.
He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 218 and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Maine Augusta. He lives in Auburn with his wife; they have two adult children.
“On behalf of the City Council, I extend sincere thanks to Peter for his steady hand and leadership which has enabled Auburn to start achieving amazing growth and prosperity and wish him and his family an enjoyable retirement,” said Mayor Jason Levesque. “Phil has dedicated more than 25 years to our great city, and we all should be grateful and excited that Phil will continue to lead us towards a promising future.”
“I’m honored to serve this community and to be considered for this position,” said Crowell. “I’ve learned a great deal working beside Peter and while it’s hard to see him go, I know that our team will carry on his legacy and his commitment to the people of Auburn. I’m excited to work with our residents, staff, the Mayor and our dedicated Councilors as we continue to move our great city forward.”
PHOTO: Retiring City Manager Peter Crichton, left, with Phil Crowell — retired Auburn police chief and assistant city manager — who will replace Crichton at the end of June. (Submitted photo)
