HAMPTON -- The toughest part of the job so far for Maureen Duffey, the new administrative assistant to Town Manager James Barrington, has been remembering everyone's name.

"There are just so many people," said Duffey.

Sitting behind the desk that used to be occupied by Karen Anderson at town offices, Duffey said she is still learning the ropes.

"It's been very challenging but in a good way," said Duffey. "Of course, there is always this huge learning curve when you start a new job."

Duffey's duties include administrative work, keeping the minutes of selectmen meetings and overseeing the town's welfare department.

Town Manager James Barrington said Duffey was chosen out of 30 applicants.

"We interviewed eight people and Maureen stood out," said Barrington. "She has the qualifications and we are excited to have her."

Duffey said she saw an advertisement for the position in Hampton and knew it would be a great fit.

"I gave Karen Anderson my resume and then they called me in for an interview," said Duffey. "They hired me right after the interview, which was amazing."

Not only is Duffey starting a new job but in a lot of ways she is starting a new life.

In January, after getting married, she left her hometown in the province of Alberta in Western Canada to move to New Hampshire.

In Canada, she worked for the Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission, first as its marketing director then as its executive administrator director.

"Basically my job was to support and promote the industry," said Duffey, which is really big in Canada.

Duffey said she has a bachelor's degree in management and an associate's degree in livestock production.

She said the biggest change with moving from Canada to New Hampshire has been the weather.

"I love it here," said Duffey. "The weather in Alberta really frustrates me. It's always cold. New Hampshire is probably one of the greatest states. It has the white mountains and the ocean. I also find the people are incredibly friendly here."