New executive director hired for regional waste disposal district

Sep 5, 2018

MARION - After a months-long search, a new executive director of the beleaguered Carver Marion Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District has been hired pending agreement of a contract.

Michele Bernier, a former Mattapoisett selectman and the current director of director of solid waste management and landfill or the Town of North Attleborough, was chosen from three finalists, Marion Town Administrator Paul Dawson said near the close of the Sept. 4, Marion Selectmen’s meeting.

“She brings 17 years of experience in the field. She took over in a fledgling (waste disposal district) and she has really created a pretty good model there. She’s retained earnings in excess of $3 million (for the district).

“She operates a good system there, including pay-as-you throw program,” said Dawson, who spearheaded the search committee.

Bernier replaces long-time Carver Marion Wareham Regional Refuse Disposal District Executive Director Ray Pickles, a former Marion town administrator and current town clerk, who was fired in January of 2018 and charged with embezzling more than $800,000 from the waste disposal district during his tenure. Pickles’ wife, Diane Bondi-Pickles, and retired Carver health agent Bob Tinkham, were also charged in that on-going case.

Dawson declined to say how much Bernier’s salary would be pending finalizing negotiations, but he did say the pay range for the position is between $50,000 and $80,000 per year, plus benefits.

 Dawson said Bernier’s office will not be in the waste disposal’s previous office on Island Wharf in Marion, but could be in a space in Marion’s former town recreation office building on Atlantis Drive, but that hasn’t been finalized yet.

Bernier was not at the Sept. 4, meeting. No date was given on when she would start her new role.