SOUTH PORTLAND — Fairfield’s town manager will be the new assistant city manager. 

City Manager Jim Gailey announced the hiring of Joshua Reny Wednesday afternoon, saying he is “thrilled” to have Reny join city staff. 

Reny will go to work in South Portland at the end of September, at an annual salary of $80,000. He replaces Jon Jennings, who is now city manager in Portland. Jennings was paid $94,380 in South Portland.

Reny has been town manager in Fairfield since 2010. He began his career in the town as economic and community development director, and has overseen a $5 million annual budget and the adoption and implementation of “a multi-year capital improvement program,” according to a South Portland press release. 

A graduate of Northern Maine Community College, the University of Maine at Farmington, and the University of Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service, Reny holds an associate’s degree in applied science, a bachelor’s degree in international studies, and a master’s degree in public policy and management. 

Reny has been a member of the Air National Guard’s 243rd Engineering and Installation Squadron in South Portland for nearly 10 years, according to the release. Since 2008, he has been a member of the Vermont Air National Guard. He has also served a tour of duty in the Middle East and Europe.

“This is an incredible opportunity for me, and I’m looking forward to becoming part of the community and working with such a great team,” Reny said in prepared statement. “What attracted me to South Portland is that it is a progressive and forward-thinking community focused on smart growth and sustainability. I want to help the community realize its goals.” 

Gailey said Reny’s “business knowledge and municipal town manager experience will be strong assets he brings to the position.”

Alex Acquisto can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 106 or aacquisto@theforecaster.net. Follow Alex on Twitter: @AcquistoA.

Joshua Reny, currently town manager in Fairfield, will be South Portland’s assistant city manager.