Richard Brewer is the new chairman of the Westport Select Board, following a unanimous vote of his colleagues to the post Tuesday evening.

Brewer joked that he is happy to be named chairman, though his last stint, during the Covid years, was actually his first.

"But all the meetings were remote so I didn't get to do it here," he said.

Brewer was nominated for the leadership role by former chairwoman Shana Shufelt, who said at the outset of Tuesday's meeting that she no longer wished to serve in that role. Steven Ouellette, elected to his fourth term on the board last Tuesday, seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

"Thank you for your vote of support," Brewer said. "I hope I am worthy ... I hope I don't get recalled somewhere along the way."

After the vote, Brewer Shufelt nominated Steven Ouellette for the vice chairmanship, with Brewer seconding the motion. Again, the vote was unanimous.

Serving as clerk will be new board member Manny Soares Jr., though that came without a vote as the board's newest member is generally asked to serve as clerk for the first term. Soares said he would be happy to take on the role.