AMESBURY — One day after announcing a new Department of Public Works director, Mayor Thatcher Kezer filled another opening yesterday.

Kristen LaRue of Madbury, N.H., will be the town's veterans services agent, taking the job Ron Koontz formerly held. She will start on May 15.

Koontz left Amesbury after 15 years in early February to take a job with the state.

LaRue has a bachelor's degree in social work from the University of New Hampshire and will be completing her master's degree in social work this spring.

She was honorably discharged in 2000 from the Navy, where she served as a damage controlman in San Diego.

In a press release issued yesterday, Kezer said LaRue's main responsibility will be to serve as a social services provider and do outreach with veterans and their families to explain benefits and programs.

"Providing the best possible service for our veterans is important," Kezer said in a statement. "Kristen not only brings her experience as a veteran, she also comes with experience and training in social services, a key quality needed in assisting, supporting and celebrating Amesbury's veterans and service members."

Fifteen candidates applied for the position from throughout New England. Five finalists were interviewed by Kezer and Chief of Staff Kendra Amaral.

LaRue will be the first female veterans agent in the Merrimack Valley, but the trend of women taking on that role is growing.

Koontz, who works with veterans agents from across the state in his new position, said yesterday women have recently started taking on the role that traditionally belonged to men.

"It's not as rare as some people may think," he said. "I think it's going in the right direction. I think they bring a new concept to helping all veterans."

Koontz said he believes the closest city to Amesbury that has a female veterans agent is in the Lowell area. "Amesbury's going to be another first in this (Greater Newburyport) area," he said.

While Koontz said he doesn't yet know LaRue, he said he does intend to offer his volunteer services in helping the town get ready for Memorial Day and the flag planting projects from the schools, if she needs it.

LaRue has more than five years' experience working in the social services field, including helping families transition from homeless shelters into housing and working with young adults in foster care.

LaRue's salary terms were not disclosed in the press release. Koontz earned $44,799.