McOsker Becomes Treasurer/Tax Collector, Leaves Sharon After One Year

Haverhill Treasurer and Tax Collector Alicia T McOsker.

Alicia T. McOsker.

A new treasurer and tax collector, succeeding Mary Beth Roy who retired last July, is expected to start work at Haverhill City Hall Monday.

Alicia T. McOsker, a former Bradford resident, leaves her job tomorrow as the town of Sharon’s treasurer/collector, according to Sharon officials. McOsker was appointed to that $80,000-a-year-post only one year ago. In Haverhill, she will “oversee all functions related to the duties of the office,” according to David S. Van Dam, chief of staff to Mayor James J. Fiorentini.

Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini during a recent Open Mike Show.

Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini during a recent Open Mike Show.

“I am pleased to have Ms. McOsker join my team. She impressed all of us on the interview committee with her depth of experience and thorough knowledge of financial management,” Fiorentini said. “Her years of experience and clear understanding of municipalities made her a good fit for our team.”

In an interview this morning with WHAV, McOsker said she has already rented an apartment in downtown Haverhill and plans to buy a home in the city. She added she chose to leave Sharon after only one year because she prefers to work for a city rather than a town, and knows more people north of Boston.

McOsker, who was raised in Chelsea, previously worked in that city in a similar capacity during its period of state-imposed takeover and receivership. Gov. William F. Weld won legislative approval in 1991 to place Chelsea into state receivership. During that period, the city’s 25,000 residents virtually lost local democracy. She also previously served as treasurer/collector in Braintree from 2010 to 2012, according to her profile on LinkedIn, and was paid $101,000 as a financial analyst in Las Vegas, Nev., during 2009 and 2010, according to Transparent Nevada.

As Haverhill’s treasurer, McOsker will be responsible for all of the city’s bank accounts and, as collector, she is responsible for the collection of taxes. McOsker brings more than 30 years of financial management to the position, according to a statement released Thursday morning.

WHAV reported in July the 35-hour-a-week position was advertised for Roy’s successor. She left city hall at the end of July after working for the city 41 years. An opening was also posted to replace Roy’s assistant, Sandra E. Denman, who was also retiring after 37 years. The treasurer and tax collector reports to Haverhill Finance Director Charles Benevento.

“I am very excited to start my position with the City,” McOsker said. “In the early 80’s, I lived in Bradford and it feels like my life has come full circle. I look forward to working with the employees and residents of Haverhill.”

McOsker is a certified treasury professional by the Association of Financial Professionals. She obtained her bachelor’s in Business Administration from Northeastern University, and master’s in Business Administration from Northeastern University.