The choice for a new Council on Aging director was unanimous on March 1 at the meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen. Although all three candidates were right for the job, said Selectman Stephen Cushing, one candidate in particular rose above the rest – Heather Sylvia of New Bedford and former COA director in Acushnet.
“She mentioned re-branding the senior center,” said Cushing, with an ultimate goal of eliminating the “senior stigma” from the program. “[She mentioned] trying to get the whole family involved in this instead of this being more or less an elderly project, make it a family thing.”
Selectman Jody Dickerson agreed, saying “Any could do the job … but Heather Sylvia, she definitely stood out…. There will be very little learning curve for her, so I think she’d be a great asset to the community.”
Dickerson said Sylvia’s “family-as-a-whole” mindset and vision for the future of the Marion COA appealed to him.
“And I think that actually sold me on her position for this,” said Dickerson.
All three did a great job, Dickerson added.
Selectman Jonathan Henry abstained from discussion and voting due to his absence during the interviews this past Tuesday, February 23.
Cushing thanked the two other candidates, Elizabeth Howe and Cynthia Byrnes, as well as the screening committee for the position.
“There were three very good, very viable candidates,” Cushing said.
Pending successful contract negotiations, Sylvia will replace retiring COA Director Susan Schwager.
The next meeting of the Marion Board of Selectmen will be March 15 at 7:00 pm at the Marion Town House.
By Jean Perry