EASTHAMPTON — The City Council unanimously elected Precinct 4 councilor Salem Derby to serve as the new council president at Wednesday’s meeting, expressing faith in his leadership and experience.

Derby has been serving as the council’s acting president since his predecessor Homar Gomez was elected as a state representative, vacating his position on the council.

Derby has served on the City Council since 2004, and was the sole nominee for the presidential role at Wednesday’s meeting. Before assuming the role of acting president, he served as the council’s vice president. In all his years of serving on the council, he said he never had interest in leading as president, until he “realized that it might make sense.”

“You’ve stepped into this situation admirably,” said councilor Thomas Peake. “You have a lot of experience and a lot of perspective and a good temper for resolving the conflicts that inevitably sprout up on this body.”

Councilor James Kwiecinski, who was elected as the council’s new vice president at its last meeting, said that Derby has “been around the block,” and that he “has always proceeded with a level head,” making him a good fit for the role of council president.

After being sworn into his new role, Derby officially swore Kwiecinski in as vice president, and gave a statement reflecting on the time he has spent serving Easthampton.

“Serving the city has been a significant part of my adult life,” said Derby.

He also noted the many changes he has seen in the city over the years, as it has transformed into a vibrant destination where many people desire to live, visit and work.

“I’ve been fortunate to be part of Easthampton’s renaissance,” he said, but later noted that “our work is far from over.”

Derby said that he is entering his new role with a renewed commitment to the city.

“Let’s continue to build a community that welcomes all, that honors its past while embracing its future and that remains a place where people want to live, work and create,” he said.

Alexa Lewis can be reached at alewis@gazettenet.com.