Biddeford Mayor nominates Cornell Knight as interim city manager

Mayor Liam LaFountain today announced his nomination of Cornell Knight to serve as Interim City Manager for the City of Biddeford. The nomination will be presented to the Biddeford City Council for consideration at its meeting on Tuesday, June 16. If confirmed, Knight would begin serving as Interim City Manager on June 17.

Knight brings more than four decades of Maine municipal management experience to the role. He most recently served as Acting City Manager of Waterville from May 2025 through January 2026 and has stepped in as Interim Town Manager in Pittsfield, Orono, Bar Harbor, and Farmington over the past three years, as well as Interim County Administrator for Hancock County.

Prior to his interim work, Knight served as Town Manager of Bar Harbor from 2014 until his retirement in 2022 and previously held city or town manager posts in Baileyville, Hallowell, Jay, Winthrop, and Topsham. He holds a degree in public management from the University of Maine in Orono. Recognized by peers for his professional ethics and steady approach to public administration, Knight was named the 2012 Linc Stackpole Manager of the Year by the Maine Town, City and County Manager’s Association.

“I am honored by Mayor LaFountain’s confidence in nominating me for this role. I am committed to working alongside Biddeford’s dedicated staff, serving its residents with the level of responsiveness they deserve, and partnering with the City Council and Mayor to ensure the City’s goals and priorities remain front and center.” said Knight. “My goal will be to ensure continuity of operations and effective day-to-day management as the City moves forward in its search for a permanent City Manager.”

Mayor LaFountain expressed confidence in the nomination, stating, “Cornell Knight brings the experience and depth of municipal expertise that Biddeford needs right now. His track record serving municipalities across Maine reflects a steady and seasoned approach to local government. I am confident he will provide effective management and continuity for City operations. I look forward to presenting this nomination to the City Council on June 16th.”

The nomination follows the April resignation of City Manager Truc Dever from the position. Mayor LaFountain and the City Council thanked Dever for her dedicated service to the City of Biddeford and wished her well in her future endeavors.

Also on the June 16th agenda, the City Council will consider selecting a search firm to conduct the permanent City Manager recruitment.

The Biddeford City Council will meet on Tuesday, June 16. Members of the public are encouraged to attend or follow the meeting through the City’s official channels.