Town of Marion Announces Staffing Changes in Public Works, Recreation Departments 

MARION — Town Administrator James McGrail is pleased to announce two staffing changes to the leadership of the Recreation and Public Works departments.

Director of Recreation Jody Dickerson is transitioning into the role of acting operations manager in the Department of Public Works, a new position for the town. Scott Tavares has been hired as the new acting director of recreation. 

The new position filled by Dickerson has been created to help streamline and consolidate many of the similar services offered between the DPW and Recreation Department. As part of this transition, the Parks Division of the Recreation Department will also transition to the DPW under Dickerson’s leadership. In addition, Dickerson will be overseeing the Highway Division. 

“We’re eager to see how this staffing change will benefit our community by streamlining the services these departments offer,” Town Administrator McGrail said. “We’re excited to have Jody joining public works, and we’re pleased to be welcoming Scott to lead the recreation department. We’re looking forward to the new perspectives both with bring to their respective roles and departments.”

Dickerson has worked as the director of recreation in Marion for over 10 years. As director, he implemented many new programs for residents and guests of the town, as well as facilitated many improvements to local parks, playgrounds and playing fields.

Dickerson also served as a selectman in Marion for 18 years. He was a former police officer in Marion and Provincetown and served in New Hampshire as a police chief.

“I am looking forward to this new endeavor and working with members of the Department of Public Works to provide the best possible services to the residents of Marion,” Dickerson said. “I accepted this position with great excitement and I’d like to thank Town Administrator McGrail and the Board of Selectmen for their support and confidence in my ability to see success in this new role.”

Following Dickerson’s transition, Tavares began in the director of recreation role on Thursday, March 4 where he will be overseeing Marion’s recreation programming and opportunities for all ages and abilities. 

Tavares has led the Silvershell Summer Program since 2019, managing the day-to-day operations of the program and ensuring a safe and fun environment for the children. This includes staffing, scheduling, communicating with parents, coordinating weekly field trips and budgeting. 

Tavares currently works as a special education teacher at Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett. He also coaches girls varsity lacrosse and boys freshman soccer at ORRHS.

Tavares previously worked as a special education teacher at Dartmouth High School where he was also the head athletic trainer. He holds a bachelors degree in kinesiology from the University of New Hampshire and a master’s in special education from American International College.

“I have enjoyed working with the Silvershell Program for the past couple of years and am pleased to be working in this new role,” Tavares said. “The Marion Recreation Department has a lot of wonderful programs and activities to offer our community members and guests of all ages, and I’m looking forward to continuing this work.”

Dickerson and Tavares are currently serving in the acting capacity in their respective roles. The town will re-evaluate the positions in the fall to ensure their effectiveness before they will be made permanent. 

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