LEE — Stephanie Burdick started as a part-time foot patrol officer for Lee in 2000. Now, she will succeed Chief Craig DeSantis when he retires in July.

"It's quite an honor to be the next police chief of the town," Burdick said. "I'm looking forward to it."

Burdick, who as a lieutenant is the second-highest-ranking officer in the department, was the primary candidate for the post. She will be the first woman to serve as Lee's chief of police.

After discussing her interview, the Lee Select Board on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve her appointment as DeSantis' successor. In her new role, which she will begin July 17, Burdick will oversee the department's transition to the town's new, $25 million public safety building currently under construction.

DeSantis announced his retirement in January after serving with the department for nearly 30 years. Continuing its tradition of hiring from within, the Select Board posted the job internally. Both DeSantis and his predecessor also rose through the ranks, ultimately earning the title of chief.

Burdick and the town currently are negotiating the terms of her contract. Town Administrator Chris Brittain has said the job had a salary range of $120,000 to $135,000.

DeSantis made about $102,535 during fiscal year 2024, which is the latest available annual town report. Burdick earned about $121,282 for the same time period, including outside detail pay.

During her interview, Burdick was asked questions about how she would handle officer trauma and how she planned to use the new public safety building.

Burdick's demeanor and experience were on full display during her interview, said Select Board member Gordon Bailey. He urged people to look at the interview transcript: "Anybody who looks at this will be impressed [by] how she responded."

Bob Jones, also a board member, added that her time spent on the police department and "intimate knowledge" of the town was a plus.

Burdick started full-time with the department in 2002, and those years of experience helped her understand the importance of community policing.

"It's so beneficial for officers and the community to interact and understand each other's roles and expectations," she said

Burdick has served in many roles throughout her tenure, working up from an officer to a sergeant and finally to a lieutenant.

Over time, she has seen the police department grow, which has left officers "on top of each other" in the current building, she said.

She said her first priority will be to "listen and learn," a core philosophy of her leadership style.

"My door will be open for my officers, town officials, community members," she said. "I'm willing to talk to anyone."