With Laurie Smith, Wiscasset hasn't just had a town manager, but a town leader and a team coach for department heads, Todd Souza said.

Souza, director of the Parks & Recreation Department, spoke at an appreciation luncheon the town’s selectmen arranged for Smith at the Wiscasset Community Center on February 2. Smith's last day as town manager is Friday, Feb. 7. She's leaving to become Kennebunkport's town manager.

Speakers highlighted Smith's dedication during her service that began in July 2010. Selectmen's Chairman Ed Polewarczyk said Smith was among a few colleagues who have stood out in his life, with their total commitment to their jobs.

She received a couple of mementos at Sunday's gathering, including a framed collage of Wiscasset photos. Selectmen presented it as a gift from the town; and she got a plaque from the Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce.

Smith encouraged local businesspeople to start the chamber, according to chamber officials.

“Laurie not only kept her eyes on the road, she helped us keep our eyes on the road,” said David Stapp, chairman of the chamber's board.

Ervin Deck, manager of the town-owned Wiscasset Municipal Airport, said Smith had shared and helped fulfill his vision to make the airport self-sustaining.

He cried when he found out she was leaving, he said. “The airport's going to miss Laurie.”

Smith credited her family and others in the room with enabling her to do her job.

“When people say, 'Oh, you did this, you did that,' I think, 'We all did this,'” Smith said.

Don Gerrish starts work as Wiscasset's interim town manager on February 10. Selectmen are working with a consulting firm to find the next permanent hire.

Related:

Wiscasset reacts to Smith resignation

Gerrish in as town manager