GLOUCESTER – Mayor Greg Verga is pleased to announce the appointment of Gloucester resident Catherine Schlichte as Interim Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Gloucester, following the upcoming departure of Jill Cahill.
Schlichte brings nearly 30 years of legal experience to the Mayor’s Office, having served as a partner at the Gloucester-based firm Schlichte & Johnstone, P.C. since 1996. In addition to her impressive professional career, she has been an active member of our community for decades.
“Catherine not only brings the knowledge and experience needed to succeed as CAO, but also a deep commitment to improving her community every day — an ideal combination for this position,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “I’m thrilled to have her on board and confident that we’ll continue to accomplish great things together in the months ahead. I am grateful for Jill’s support and hard work over the past 3 years and look forward to working together as neighboring community leaders.”
After serving two terms on the Gloucester School Committee in the early 1990s, she went on to volunteer for nearly 20 years on critical City boards, committees, and commissions. Most notably, Schlichte has served for over 10 years on the City’s Zoning Board of Appeals, leveraging her vast knowledge of land use and real estate law.
“I was honored when the Mayor asked me to take this interim position and I’m excited to be working with his management team. I think the Mayor has accomplished great things during his time in office and to work with him and his team for the residents of Gloucester, that is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
Schlichte previously served on the Board of Directors for the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, including terms as Board President and Chair of the Board. She has also been actively involved in numerous community organizations including Cape Ann Art Haven, Gloucester Stage Company and Awesome Gloucester.
Schilchte holds a bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University and a Juris Doctorate from Massachusetts School of Law.
Schlichte will officially start as Interim Chief Administrative Officer on May 12, 2025.
“Working with Mayor Verga to advance his vision for Gloucester has been an honor. His dedication to this community and his commitment to collaboration and civility have made working with him not only inspiring, but also rewarding and a lot of fun. I am thrilled to be handing the reins over to someone as committed to this community as Catherine. Together they will continue to lead the incredible team of dedicated managers and employees that make up this great city. I will miss being CAO of the city I know and love, but I am very excited about the opportunity that Danvers brings and look forward to getting started.”
Cahill leaves the City of Gloucester after serving five years as Community Development Director and three years as Chief Administrative Officer. Cahill’s official last day with the City of Gloucester is May 9, 2025. She goes on to serve as Town Manager for the Town of Danvers.
