Russ Marcoux is Bedford’s new town manager. But before he takes over from Acting Town Manager and Police Chief David Bailey, Marcoux needs to fulfill his contract in Derry.

Marcoux, current town administrator in Derry, was Okd by the Bedford Town Council on Dec. 6 by a 5-1 vote, with Councilor Michael Scanlon the dissenter. Councilor Andy Egan, who was absent from the meeting because of minor surgery, sent a letter saying he approves of Marcoux for the position.

Marcoux was one of 37 applicants for the position and will earn a $115,000 annual salary, said council Chairman Bill Van Anglen. His Derry salary is $119,00 per year.

“He was just by far one of the best people we talked to,” he said.

Marcoux said Derry councilors are interviewing a candidate on Dec. 19, and if they hire an interim town manager, he would come to Bedford sooner.

“In the contract, he needs to give us 90 days notice but we want to be fair to everybody, so we’re looking at two interim town administrators,” said Brian Chirichiello, chairman of the Derry Town Council.

Chirichiello said Marcoux will be missed in Derry, where he has worked since 2004.

“I think Derry’s loss will be Bedford’s gain,” he said. “He’s a really nice man, very professional.” Chirichiello said Marcoux ran his office in Derry with an “open door.”

“What he does for the councilors is he keeps us updated with everything for the week in an e-mail,” Chirichiello said.

Derry has a “hybrid” government, between a city and a town, he said. The council, rather than the public, votes on budgets.

Marcoux was town manager of Smithfield, R.I., from 1999 to 2004, and in Framingham, Mass., from 1996-99. He was director of administration in his hometown of Nashua, from 1984-86.

“I feel very confident that I am leaving Derry with a very competent management staff to continue on with the town’s business with a seamless transition until an interim, then newly appointed town administrator, is appointed,” Marcoux wrote in his letter of resignation.

Derry Councilor Beverly Ferrante said she will miss Marcoux.

She said he is the best town administrator she has seen in her 30 years living in Derry.

“Basically, he’s a leader and you’re getting a great man over in Bedford,” Ferrante said.

Marcoux holds a master of business administration degree, and a bachelor of science degree in administration and finance from the University of Southern New Hampshire. He has completed advanced studies at Syracuse University and George Mason University.

Marcoux and his wife, Jeanne, are looking at homes in Bedford.

“My wife loves to do that. That’s her thing,” he said.