Town Manager

Welcome to Exeter, New Hampshire!

A Historic Community. A Modern Organization. A Compelling Leadership Opportunity.

Located in New Hampshire’s Seacoast region, 15 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, the Town of Exeter offers the charm of a historic New England community paired with the services, amenities, and connectivity of a modern municipality. Encompassing nearly 22 square miles and 16,000 residents, Exeter provides an exceptional quality of life with convenient access to the broader Seacoast region and the Boston metropolitan area via Amtrak’s Downeaster rail service.

Community

Character and Quality of Life

Exeter is known for its vibrant, walkable historic downtown, scenic riverfront parkway, and strong sense of community pride. Residents and visitors enjoy a diverse mix of locally owned restaurants, shops, cultural attractions, and public spaces that reflect Exeter’s balance of tradition and thoughtful reinvestment. Recent downtown improvements—including new sidewalks, the rehabilitation of the String Bridge, and enhanced pedestrian connections to Swasey Parkway—underscore the Town’s commitment to accessibility, safety, and placemaking.

The Exeter River flows through the heart of downtown before joining the Squamscott River and Great Bay, a natural feature that has shaped the Town’s history and continues to define its identity. Swasey Parkway serves as a central gathering place for community events and civic life.

Rich History, Preserved and Celebrated

Founded in 1638 by Reverend John Wheelwright, Exeter is one of New Hampshire’s oldest communities. Originally a mill town built around early dams, sawmills, and grist mills, Exeter retains a remarkable collection of historic architecture and sites. The downtown is home to the majestic Exeter Town Hall, constructed in 1855, and features interpretive signage highlighting significant moments in local and national history—including the route Abraham Lincoln took when he visited Exeter and spoke at Town Hall in 1860.

Historic and cultural institutions such as the American Independence Museum, Folsom Tavern, and the Ladd-Gilman House offer residents and visitors a tangible connection to some of the most important chapters in American history.

A Full-Service, Well-Managed Community

Exeter is a full-service municipality, providing residents with high-quality public services delivered by professional staff. The Town maintains full-time Police, Fire/EMS, and Parks and Recreation departments and is home to a full-service hospital, ensuring public safety, health, and wellness for the community.

The Town’s Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide range of programs, events, and facilities that support an active lifestyle for residents of all ages. Recreation Park is a hub of weekend activity, hosting youth soccer, baseball, and community gatherings, while the Town’s outdoor pool provides a popular summer destination for families. The Exeter YMCA, opened in 2016, further expands recreational and wellness opportunities, complemented by numerous active community sports leagues.

Education

and Institutional Partners

Education is a cornerstone of the Exeter community. Phillips Exeter Academy, founded in 1781, maintains a prominent presence and contributes significantly to the Town’s cultural, educational, and civic life as one of the nation’s premier private secondary schools.

Exeter’s public schools are also highly regarded. The Main Street School and Lincoln Street School serve students in grades K–5, and the Town is a member of SAU 16. Middle school students attend the Cooperative Middle School in Stratham, and high school students attend Exeter High School.

Governance and Organizational Structure

Exeter operates under an SB2 Town Meeting form of government. The five-member Select Board serves as the Town’s governing body, providing policy leadership and strategic direction. The Select Board appoints numerous boards and commissions, including the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Heritage Commission, Historic District Commission, and several advisory committees.

In accordance with New Hampshire RSA 37, the Select Board appoints…