MARION — Marion Town Administrator James McGrail will step down from his position on Friday, Nov. 11 after taking a job as Middleboro’s new Town Manager. 

“My time in Marion has been some of the most fulfilling in my life, and I will forever appreciate the opportunity the town gave me to serve in this important role,” said McGrail during an Oct. 18 Select Board meeting. “Working with you and the other board members has been some of the most rewarding and challenging work I have ever done.”

McGrail recalled the challenges he faced as Town Administrator, including handling the Covid-19 pandemic that struck the world during his second year on the job. 

He pointed to Marion’s success at weathering the pandemic as evidence of a job well done. 

“I’m proud of the team that we’ve built,” said McGrail. “The success we have had is 100% attributed to our amazing staff.”

The Marion Select Board voted to appoint Marion Finance Director and Town Accountant Judy Mooney as the interim Town Administrator until a new Town Administrator is hired. 

“I’ve worked with Judy hand in hand every single solitary day of the last four years,” said McGrail. “I have the utmost confidence that she’ll point you guys in the right direction.”

Going forward, the Select Board voted to contract Community Paradigm Associates, LLC., the same hiring firm that brought on McGrail in 2019, to conduct a search for a new town administrator. 

The firm estimates it will cost $9,500 to complete the search. 

According to McGrail, the firm will work with the Select Board and town departments to determine the hiring process. 

“I’ll miss working with you and them along with our terrific staff,” said McGrail, who added that he was “trying not to choke up” while reading his resignation letter.