Town of Middleborough Welcomes Multiple New Hires

The Town of Middleborough is pleased to announce the hiring of several new town employees.

"It is my pleasure to welcome these new employees to the Town of Middleborough," Select Board Chair Mark Germain said. "I am confident that these individuals bring the necessary background and skills needed to succeed in their new roles, and I look forward to watching the Town of Middleborough continue to grow and prosper under their leadership."

Town Manager James McGrail

James McGrail has been appointed as Middleborough's new town manager. McGrail began this role in November 2022, replacing Town Manager Robert Nunes who recently retired.

Prior to joining Middleborough, McGrail served as the town administrator for the Town of Marion where he ensured the proper management of all town affairs in accordance with the town's bylaws and directives given by the Select Board. While serving in this role, he also supported all departments with the efficient operation of town government including budgeting, capital projects, additional department resources, personnel issues, project management and improving staff morale.

Previously, he served as a school committee member for the Sandwich Public Schools from 2015-2018 before he became the director of facilities within the district in 2018. McGrail also previously served as the executive director for the South Shore Country Club in Hingham.

Additionally, McGrail was recently appointed as co-chair of the New Managers Committee for the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association.

McGrail holds a bachelor's degree in science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Certificate in Local Government Leadership and Management from the Massachusetts Municipal Association-Suffolk University.

Superintendent Carolyn Lyons

Carolyn Lyons has been appointed as the new superintendent of Middleborough Public Schools. Lyons officially began this role in July 2022.

Superintendent Lyons joined Middleborough Public Schools in 2012 as the secondary special education team facilitator for grades 6-12. In 2016, she became the director of pupil personnel services and served in this role until her appointment as Superintendent.

Prior to joining the Middleborough Public School's administration, Lyons practiced education law with the firm of Murphy, Hesse, Toomey, and Lehane, LLP., where she practiced special education law. In this position, Lyons assisted in the representation of school districts across Massachusetts - including Middleborough.

Lyons holds a doctorate degree in jurisprudence from Suffolk University Law School and a bachelor's degree in government and economics from Smith College.

Fire Chief Owen Thompson

Owen Thompson has been appointed as the new fire chief for the Town of Middleborough. Thompson officially began this role in September 2022.

Thompson has served as a firefighter for over 20 years, 16 of which have been in a supervisory and command capacity. Prior to this role, Thompson served as captain of the Brookline Fire Department since 2008. Before serving as captain for the Brookline Fire Department, Thompson served as the temporary deputy chief from May 2016 to December 2018.

Additionally, Thompson has held the position of building inspector in the metro-Boston area, and as construction project manager for Bond Bros Inc. Thompson is a 2022 graduate of Massachusetts Fire Academy’s Chief Fire Officer Program and is currently working towards his bachelor's degree in Fire Administration from Granite State University.

Director of Economic and Community Development Paul DiGiuseppe

Paul DiGiuseppe has been appointed as the new director of economic and community development. DiGiuseppe officially began this new role in July 2022.

DiGiuseppe brings with him over 20 years of experience in municipal planning and development with a focus on economic development.

Most recently before joining the Town of Middleborough, DiGiuseppe served as the Director of Planning and Economic Development for the Town of Norton. In this role, he successfully received numerous grant awards which were used to redevelop the former Reed and Barton Mill and update the Town Master Plan.

DiGiuseppe also previously worked in planning for the City of Austin, Texas and in Tallahassee, Florida.

He holds a bachelor's degree in political science and public administration from Rhode Island College and received a master's degree in public administration from Florida State University.

Treasurer/Collector R. Renee Fernandes

R. Renee Fernandes has been appointed as the new treasurer/collector for the Town of Middleborough. Fernandes officially began this role in October 2022.

She is currently First Vice President of the Massachusetts Collectors and Treasurers Association.

Prior to joining the Town of Middleborough, Fernandes served as Treasurer-Collector for the City of New Bedford for 15 years. From 2001 to 2021 Fernandes owned and operated Ferren Real Estate Services, a real estate appraisal company. In this role, she provided residential real estate appraisal services in Barnstable, Bristol and Plymouth County.

Additionally, Fernandes previously served as the clerk/treasurer for the South Sagamore Water District and as the clerk/treasurer for Wareham Fire District.

Fernandes also served as a member of the Wareham Board of Selectmen for six years.

She holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Massachusetts.

Town Accountant Robert Ekstrom

Robert Ekstrom was appointed as the new Town Accountant and officially began his new role in January 2023.

Ekstrom most recently served the City of New Bedford as a financial consultant where he performed the duties of both city auditor and chief financial officer. While serving in this role, Ekstrom built a centralized accounts payable department and developed an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report which earned the City its first Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting award from the Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA).

Additionally, he assisted in formulating and presenting the annual budget for the City of New Bedford which has now won the GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation award for seven consecutive years.

Prior to being a consultant, he also served as the City of New Bedford's auditor for eight years. 

He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Providence College.