After a false start in December, Selectmen have interviewed three finalists seeking to become Marion’s next Council on Aging director.

On Tuesday night, Elizabeth Howe of Mattapoisett, Heather Sylvia of New Bedford and Cindy Byers of Connecticut answered questions and shared their ideas on the COA’s future. One of them will replace former Director Sue Schwager, who announced her retirement last year.

Selectmen interviewed Howe in December and were scheduled to speak with two other candidates then, but those finalists withdrew their names shortly before the interview.

Howe returned on Tuesday and reiterated her reasons for applying.

“This is an amazing opportunity to work from the ground up and make [the senior center] an updated, wonderful resource, not just for seniors, but for their caregivers,” Howe said.

Howe told the board she has experience with grant writing, managing volunteers and serving New Bedford as an employee with the city’s chamber of commerce.

While her background is mostly with nonprofits and museums, Howe said she has worked with a diverse population and would enjoy the opportunity to serve Marion’s seniors.

“I will try to become a resource to try and help them,” Howe said, adding that she sees offering protection from scams, elder abuse and helping to navigate legal matters are important issues.

As the previous director at Acushnet’s Council on Aging for six years, Sylvia said her skill set makes her well-suited for the position.

Prior to Acushnet, Sylvia worked as a coordinator at New Bedford’s Council on Aging for 18 months.

Most recently, she was Dartmouth’s Council on Aging director for five months, but resigned in January.

For Sylvia, bringing in new programs and expanding what’s currently offered would be a priority if hired.

“Outreach and advocacy are my passions,” Sylvia said.

She had a question for Selectmen, asking what they considered the biggest challenge facing the new director.

“I think the board feels like we want to take it to the next level,” said Jody Dickerson. “We want to offer as much as we can for our seniors.”

Byers told Selectmen she has the traits board members want in the next director.

“You’re looking for someone who is compassionate, enthusiastic, all qualities I possess and would bring wholeheartedly,” Byers said. “I think I would be a great addition to the community.”

Currently a resident of Connecticut, Byers owns a home in Onset and will move there shortly. Byers said she has spent summers in the area since she was a child.

Her background includes stints with the Alzheimer’s Association and organizations that offer services to individuals with disabilities.

Right now, Byers is a case manager for the state of Connecticut, working one on one with clients in their homes.

“My thirty years of experience and hands on approach makes me very well qualified for this position,” she said.

She said a major focus of her career has been to extend opportunities and services to disabled clients allowing them to maintain independence when possible.

As a manager, she said one of the hardest tasks was finding and hiring employees that met her standards.

“I would often ask myself, ‘Is this someone I would want working with a family member?’” she said.

Selectmen thanked all the applicants and said they will announce their decision at the board’s March 1 meeting.