MARION — A familiar face is taking on a leadership position in the Marion Department of Public Works.

Jody Dickerson, the town’s longtime Director of Recreation and former Marion Selectman and police officer, is transitioning into the role of acting operations manager for the department, a newly created position. Scott Tavares has been hired to replace Dickerson as acting director of recreation.

Dickerson’s new position was created to help consolidate many of the similar services offered between the DPW and Recreation Department. 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 Jay 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 will bring to their respective roles and departments."

Dickerson has been the director of recreation in Marion for over 10 years, and also served as a selectman in Marion for 18 years.

Previously, he was a 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 March 4, where he will be overseeing Marion's recreation programming and opportunities for all ages and abilities.

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 the school.