Norwich – After receiving dozens of applications for the city manager's executive assistant position, City Manager John Salomone turned to the office next door to fill the slot.

Jacquie Barbarossa, an 18-year city employee who has served in three departments, including a time as tourism director when the city had a tourism department, was named Monday as the new executive assistant in the city manager's office. The position has been vacant for about a year and was filled by staff from Norwich Public Utilities and temporary workers.

Barbarossa also worked in the city planning and development office and currently serves as the intake/outtake specialist in the federally funded community development office.

Barbarossa will split time in both offices during a transition period over the next few weeks.

Salomone, who started in Norwich in February, said he was pleased to name someone to the position with extensive knowledge of the city, its employees, residents and neighborhoods.