GREENLAND -- Hampton's loss is Greenland's gain. Karen Anderson, who has been Hampton's administrative assistant for 14 years, is leaving her position to become Greenland's new town administrator.

Selectman Paul Sanderson said Anderson was one of the board's original candidate picks.

Reached by phone, Anderson said she felt it was time to move on and utilize more of her skills.

"Multi-tasking is a huge part of my position here," said Anderson. "This is an extremely busy job. I handle human resources, labor and insurance issues. I work closely with the town manager and welfare department. My position has grown so much over the years that I now have experience in every department."

Anderson applied for the position in July. The Hampton Falls resident said she likes the location and proximity to her home.

"My last day here in Hampton is October 4," said Anderson. "I will then take time for a deep breath, and then send everything to the cleaners and start again."

Anderson begins her duties in Greenland on Oct. 11.

"Hampton has been amazing since I made the decision," said Anderson. "I received calls and letters, congratulating me and telling me I'll do a great job. I worked with four different town managers here. Hampton is a very political town."

Anderson, 47, has been married for 27 years and has three daughters.

"Two on their own," she said. "One is a firefighter in Exeter and the other graduated from college last year and works in Boston. My youngest is a senior in high school."

Sanderson said the board was impressed with the wide range of experience Anderson has. "We are a different form of government than in Hampton," said Sanderson. "She has done very well coordinating things there, so we are very much looking forward to working with her."

Hampton is an SB2 town, while Greenland has a traditional town-meeting form of government.

The town of Greenland had been without a town administrator since late spring, when Bea Marconi left the position to take a similar position in Newington.

Greenland selectmen wanted to have a person on board by fall.