HATFIELD — Bringing more than 28 years of experience in public works, including nine years in leadership positions, Marlo Warner II of Greenfield is being tabbed as Hatfield’s next Department of Public Works director.
With an agreement in place on a three-year contract that will pay him $125,000 in the first year, Warner, who has led Greenfield’s DPW since October 2018, will begin his new role on July 14, where he will supervise the town’s water, wastewater and highway departments.
Warner replaces Phil Genovese, who retired in January after 15 years in the position.
“Hatfield is a wonderful town, and I welcome the opportunity to work with the Select Board in fulfilling the mission of the Public Works Department,” Warner said in a statement. “You have a strong team here, and I’m looking forward to joining it.”
Warner, who was DPW director for the first time in Hadley for 2½ years starting in 2016 before returning to his home city, was selected over two other finalists. The other finalists interviewed publicly on June 10 were Randall Kemp, highway superintendent in Southampton, and Tony Lastowski, Hatfield’s water superintendent.
Warner also has experience from the commercial construction industry and is a U.S. Air Force veteran.
During his public interview, he said the DPW interfaces and touches all other departments and works closely with other public safety personnel. He said he strives to have good communication with taxpayers, as well.
“I pride myself in running an efficient and safe department of public works,” Warner said.
Warner said he applied for the Hatfield job because he misses working with a Select Board and Town Meeting, which can be less challenging than reporting to a mayor and city councilors in Greenfield.
“I really like this form of government and that’s what really made me enthusiastic to apply here,” Warner said.
“Marlo’s experience should make him an excellent fit for Hatfield,” Select Board Chairman Ed Jaworski said. “We had some very strong candidates, and we think he brings a lot to the table.”
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
