The City of Saco confirmed Ryan Pelletier as the next city administrator on Monday night. The City Council unanimously backed the appointment, brought forward by Mayor Jodi MacPhail.

“The last two years have brought forward movement in many key areas with positive changes,” MacPhail said. “I look forward to building on that success with our new city administrator.”

Pelletier was selected following a competitive recruiting and hiring process with a pool of more than 70 applicants.

Following a round of essay questions, final candidates participated in a multiphase interview process with a community panel, city staff panel, and the City Council.

Pelletier brings a solid background in economic development and both county and municipal management, MacPhail said, making him the best choice for the city.

“He will position us for the future,” MacPhail said.

Currently serving as the county administrator for Aroostook County, Pelletier is a veteran manager. Since 1998, he has held a variety of local government leadership roles, including a combined 16 years as town manager in Wallagrass, St. Agatha and Madawaska.

Pelletier also has experience working in economics, having served as the director of economic development and workforce development at the Northern Maine Development Commission for five years.

On Monday night, Pelletier said he was “deeply humbled” and “honored” to be chosen as Saco’s next city administrator.

“I am anxious to join the team to continue the great work already underway and to explore opportunities for Saco to continue to grow,” he said. “I will also be responsive to the needs of the people of Saco.”

Pelletier will replace former City Administrator John Bohenko, who left the position on Aug. 27.

Bohenko, who served the city of Saco for about two years, told Biddeford-Saco Now that he chose to leave the position in order to focus on his health and to simply enjoy retirement.

“I will be turning 70 years old and have been in local government for over 47 years,” Bohenko said in July. “I feel it is time to continue my retirement.”

Pelletier’s three-year contract with the city will begin on Jan. 5, 2026, with an annual salary of $185,000.

Emily Cole-Prescott, deputy city administrator of community development, will continue serving as interim city administrator until that time.

“I want the community to know that I am a very transparent administrator, and my door is always open for ideas, suggestions and conversations,” Pelletier said.